HC Deb 03 November 1980 vol 991 cc472-3W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he intends to take action to recall the Dalkon Shield in the light of the letter by the manufacturers to British doctors telling them to advise women using the product to have it removed; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

All doctors should now be aware of the manufacturer's recommendation that any Dalkon Shield still in use should be removed. The response of the professional organisations to recent inquiries by the Department suggests that the number of users is small. I do not consider that there is any further action which the Department can usefully take. Any woman who is uncertain about the type of intra-uterine device with which she is fitted should consult her general practitioner or family planning clinic.