§ Mrs. Ann Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to circulate doctors in Northern Ireland to ensure that they are aware that the guidelines on the issuing of contraceptives to minors do not apply in that region.
§ Mr. NeedhamI have no plans to circulate doctors at this stage. The advice on family planning in Northern Ireland, which has not changed since 1975, is to be reviewed in the light of the Law Lords' judgments in the Gillick case and the revised guidance on provision of contraceptives to minors issued recently by the Department of Health and Social Security. Doctors in Northern Ireland will be notified of the results of this review—confirming the existing guidance or advising of any changes in the guidance, as appropriate.