HC Deb 20 January 1984 vol 52 c543 9.35 am
Mr. Frank Cook (Stockton, North)

I beg to present to the House the latest in a long line of petitions dealing with the 1980 DHSS revised health service notice (section G), which refers to the supply of contraceptive drugs or devices to those under the age of 16 without parental consent. This is the second such petition from my constituency, and my petitioners, Mr. John Morgan of 10 Sandmartin lane and Stephen Garrett Byrnes of 40 Osprey close, Norton, together with 1,144 other petitioners, pray that the Hon. Members of the House of Commons should bear in mind that according to Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights "The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by Society and the State. We ask that they should therefore urge the Home Secretary that he should recommend to the House that Parents must be given statutory rights to be consulted before any contraceptive drugs or devices be given to their daughters whilst they are under 16; thus enabling parents to take whatever actions that they think necessary to prevent their daughters from early and unlawful sexual relationships, and the criminal actions of the males involved.

To lie upon the Table.

9.37 am
Rev. Ian Paisley (Antrim, North)

I beg to present a petition similar to that which has been presented to the House by the hon. Member for Stockton, North (Mr. Cook) opposing the 1980 DHSS revised health service notice (section G), which advises doctors that they may provide contraceptive drugs or devices to girls under the age of consent without their parents being consulted.

The petition comes from the residents of North Down, led by Elizabeth Vance of 4 Plantation road, Bangor, and includes with her signature 1,083 others.

The petition reads: Wherefore your Petitioners pray that Hon. Members of the House of Commons should bear in mind that according to Article 16 of the Declaration of Human Rights "The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by Society and the State." We ask that they should therefore urge the Home Secretary that he should recommend to the House that Parents must be given statutory rights to be consulted before any contraceptive drugs or devices be given to their daughters whilst they are under 16; thus enabling parents to take whatever actions they think necessary to protect their daughters from early and unlawful sexual relationships, and the criminal actions of the males involved. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

To lie upon the Table.

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