HC Deb 10 March 1983 vol 38 c465W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that the police in Northumbria have a special force of women doctors available to conduct medical examinations in connection with rape and sexual attacks upon women, he will request other police forces to examine this scheme to ascertain whether such a service can be introduced in all police forces.

Mr. Mayhew

Guidelines to be issued shortly on the investigation of offences of rape will invite chief officers to review local arrangements for the provision of medical examinations with reference to a number of points, including the fact that some complainants may prefer to be examined by a female doctor. Chief Officers will no doubt wish in conducting such reviews to take account of any special schemes operating in other forces.