§ Mr. John D. Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide for a free family planning service within the National Health Service.
§ Mr. AlisonIn medical cases family planning supplies are already free, subject to payment of the prescription charge where appropriate, advice is free in non-medical cases but it is usually necessary to pay for the cost of supplies except in a few local authority areas. We are currently engaged in a wide-ranging review of policy for family planning services, and I cannot anticipate its conclusions.
§ Mr. John D. Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the effect on the family planning services of local government reorganisation.
§ Sir K. JosephWe intend that family planning services should become the responsibility of the new area health 189W authorities when the reorganisation of local government and the National Health Service takes place. It would then be easier to provide a co-ordinated service.