§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement following yesterday's judgment in the Court of Appeal in the case of Mrs. Gillick v. the West Norfolk and Wisbech health authority.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe shall be considering all the very wide implications of the judgment. Our Department has been granted leave to appeal to the House of Lords and intends to do so. It is plainly in the public interest that the law should be made clear by a ruling from the highest court. We hope it will be possible for the case to be heard quickly.
We are bringing the Court of Appeal's decision to the attention of doctors, health authorities and others responsible for providing medical services.
For the time being our present guidance relating to the provision of contraceptive and abortion services to young people under 16, is suspended. We shall be reviewing that guidance once the final outcome of the case is known.