HC Deb 22 March 1973 vol 853 cc176-7W
Sir D. Renton

asked the Lord President of the Council when the report of the Population Panel will be published; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Prior

The report of the Population Panel is being published today. The Government are grateful to Mr. Ross and his colleagues for the valuable work they have done. One of the recommendations in the report is that family planning services should be provided as an ordinary part of the National Health Service. This matter will shortly be debated in the House of Commons in connection with the National Health Service Reorganisation Bill. The Government do not propose to determine their attitude towards the other recommendations made by the panel until there has been opportunity for public opinion to crystallise; and the report will be a valuable contribution towards the informed public debate which the Government hope will take place during the coming months.