§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about regional variations in the availability of condoms (i) free and (ii) on prescription under the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Department's guidance to health authorities on family planning services advises that all forms of contraceptive appliances should be available at family planning clinics. There is no charge for the supplies which are prescribed and dispensed through this service, although a charge may be made for condoms supplied by clinics without prescription. There are over 1,700 family planning clinics throughout the country and I am not aware that the Department's guidelines are not being followed. Condoms are not supplied under the National Health Service on prescription by a general practitioner.