§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he has asked the Pregnancy Advisory Service to withdraw its advertising posters from Underground stations; in what way he considers that the posters contravene his Department's guidelines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanPregnancy advice bureaux registered by the Department are required as a condition of registration to submit advertisements for the approval of my right hon. Friend. Advertising should not give the impression that bureaux do434W more than advise clients; nor should it appear to imply that they are able to arrange an abortion for anyone who approaches them. The advertisement in question was not submitted for approval. I consider that, in omitting any reference to advice, it fails to meet the standards required by the Department. It is important that advertisements of this kind should not be capable of misconstruction.