§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what studies have been made for his Department about possible effects on fertility of young women after taking contraceptive pills for a number of years; and what were the results.
§ Mr. MoyleMy Department has not itself undertaken or financed such studies. My advisers keep closely in touch with research sponsored by the Medical Research Council and other bodies, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners. Some studies have suggested a possible impairment of fertility following prolonged use of contraceptive pills, but there is disagreement as to the permanence of this effect. We are keeping a close watch on this situation, including the question of whether further studies are required.