HL Deb 19 June 1967 vol 283 cc1174-5

3.10 p.m.

Order of the Day for the House to be put into Committee read.

Moved, That the House do now resolve itself into Committee.—(Baroness Gaitskell.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.

House in Committee accordingly.

[The EARL OF LISTOWEL in the Chair.]

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES

I understand that no Amendments have been put down to this Bill. The Question, therefore, is that I report the Bill to the House without amendment.

LORD MITCHISON

I desire to ask one question. I asked it on Second Reading, but I did not expect an answer then. I hope for one now. What is the Government's attitude about Scotland in this matter?

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES

If the noble Lord wishes to ask a question, I shall have to go through the Bill in the ordinary way.

Clause 1 [Provision by local health authority of services in connection with contraception]:

On Question, Whether Clause 1 shall stand part of the Bill?

LORD MITCHISON

I repeat the question I have just asked.

LORD BESWICK

Perhaps I can help here. As the clause makes clear, this is a Bill which refers to England or Wales, and it is rather late to contemplate its extension to Scotland. However, the Secretary of State for Scotland has authorised me to say that he has certainly not closed his mind to the possibility of some similar provision for Scotland, although the Bill does not seem to be the best vehicle for it, particularly because it might run into procedural difficulties if it returned to the Commons. There is certainly no question of the Scottish Office having been inactive in relation to family planning. A circular was issued to local authorities a year ago encouraging them to use their existing powers. So, whilst the Secretary of State has not received any representations from local authorities in Scotland in favour of extending the Bill to Scotland, he would certainly look sympathetically on a Private Member's Bill for the same purpose, suitably tailored to meet Scottish circumstances.

LORD MITCHISON

I should like to thank my noble friend, if I may.

Clause 1 agreed to.

Remaining clauses agreed to.

House resumed: Bill reported without amendment; Report received.