HC Deb 28 November 1972 vol 847 c89W
Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the number of private clinics and the number of new ones that are being proposed; what is his policy towards them; how many objections he has received to the establishment of such clinics and from whom; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

The expression "private clinics" covers a wide variety of establishments, some of which may be registrable as nursing homes or require my approval under the Abortion Act. I have no jurisdiction, however, over private clinics in general, and am, therefore, unable to provide the information asked for.