§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the unanimous recommendations of the third special report from the Select Committee on the Abortion (Amendment) Bill.
§ Mrs. CastleI welcome this report. I shall be studying the recommendations in detail and intend to make an early statement after the Summer Recess.
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what indication she has of how many otherwise qualified persons have been refused hospital appointments in the National Health Service because of conscientious objections to the performance of abortions; if she is satisfied that such persons can pursue a full career in the National Health Service; and if not, if she will take steps, by increasing establishments or otherwise, to ensure that they do not suffer as a result of their beliefs.
§ Mrs. CastleI have no indication that doctors have failed in competition for National Health Service hospital appointments solely because of conscientious objection to the performance of abortion. Monitoring so far indicates that willingness to perform abortion has been considered as necessary in only a small proportion of posts. There are therefore ample career opportunities in the National Health Service for the doctors in question.