HC Deb 22 October 1979 vol 972 cc87-8W
Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of continued reports of an adverse nature from various medical experts, he will appoint a specialised committee to review the use of the contraceptive pill and to assess what margin of safety there is.

Dr. Vaughan

The Committee on Safety of Medicines, an independent advisory body, monitors closely reports of suspected adverse reactions to oral contraceptives and advises the United Kingdom licensing authority on the safety of such products. In addition, a number of other expert bodies such as the Medical

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS IN OWNER OCCUPATION ENGLAND AND WALES: 1947 TO 1978
Percentage of all households
1947 28
1961 (Census) 42.3
1966 (Census) 46.7
1971 (Census) 50.2
1972 52
1973 52
1974 52
1975 53
1976 53
1977 54
1978 55

Source: 1947—"The British Household", a Social Survey report; 1961, 1966, 1971—Census of Population; 1972–1978—the General Household Survey.