§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if, having regard to the conflicting evidence on the extent of use of the Dalkon shield, he will commission a survey in order to ascertain the number of women wearing the Dalkon shield and the number of injuries that have been sustained by wearers;
(2) if, having regard to the fact that 10,000 Dalkon shields are currently being worn, he will take steps to recall them.
(3) having regard to the new evidence that substantial numbers of Dalkon shields are still in use, if he will take steps to update the figures of injuries to women caused by the Dalkon shield.
§ Dr. VaughanI am advised that the evidence at present available to the Department suggests that the current use of the Dalkon shield is not so extensive as some recent reports have suggested. However, I have recently written to the professional bodies concerned inviting their views on the extent to which the device may still be in use and on the frequency with which complications allegedly associated with its use are seen among patients wearing the device.