§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he proposes to make contraceptive pills purchaseable without medical prescription; and if he will list any representations he has received on this matter.
§ Mr. MoyleNo; I have received no representations to the effect that women might purchase contraceptive pills without medical or other prescription. The Joint Working Group on Oral Contraceptives has, however, recommended in its published report that oral contraceptives might be prescribed in certain circumstances by health professionals other than doctors. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are considering this recommendation in the light of the comments of the four bodies which sponsored that working group.