§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his replies to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East in December 119W 1979 and January and February 1980, what advice he has received from (a) the British Medical Association and (b) the Family Planning Association concerning revisions to the guidelines on the provision of contraceptives to girls aged under 16 years without the necessity of parental consent; why it is taking so long to reach a decision; and when he expects to be able to do so.
§ Dr. VaughanThis is a complex matter to which I have been giving careful thought. I expect to make a statement shortly on my review of the Department's current guidance. I have taken into account in this review the importance attached by the medical profession to confidentiality and the independence of clinical judgment, and comments I have received from the Family Planning Association on the importance of availability of guidance to young people who may be faced by particular difficulties and conflicts.