HC Deb 05 July 1993 vol 228 cc38-9W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the terms of the inquiry currently being undertaken by the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights on abortion law in Northern Ireland; and what steps were taken by the commission to alert right hon. and hon. Members representing constituencies in Northern Ireland prior to announcing the inquiry.

Mr. Ancram

The Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights is not undertaking an inquiry. It has published a paper on abortion law in Northern Ireland, inviting a wide range of bodies and individuals to respond on ways in which the law could be clarified. Northern Ireland Members of Parliament have been invited to contribute their views.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from right hon. and hon. Members representing Northern Ireland constituencies on whether the Abortion Act 1967 should be extended to Northern Ireland.

Mr. Ancram

None.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement providing details of representations which he has received on the proportion of(a) people of Northern Ireland, or (b) the medical profession in the Province would support the extension of the Abortion Act 1967 to Northern Ireland.

Mr. Ancram

In the past 12 months, five representations have been received indicating that a majority of people in the Province would support the extension of the Abortion Act 1967 to Northern Ireland. Twenty-one representations have been received indicating that a majority of people would be opposed to such an extension and one that a majority of the medical profession would likewise be opposed.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those churches or religious organisations from Northern Ireland which have expressed to him a view that the Abortion Act 1967 should be extended to Northern Ireland.

Mr. Ancram

No churches or religious organisations have expressed such a view.