§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what written evidence of age and parental consent is required by government-funded birth control clinics before contraceptives are supplied to under-age children requesting them.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:This is a matter for local decision.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that sufficient safeguards exist controlling the supply of contraceptives to young people where parental consent has not been obtained.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:Yes. The revised guidance issued by our Department last year on the provision of contraceptive advice to young people stressed the importance of obtaining parental consent. Ultimately, the decision whether to supply contraceptives is a matter for clinical judgment al each case, and I do not consider that further safeguards are necessary.