§ Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the fact that the manufacturers of certain contraceptive pills state that they are unsuitable for sufferers from sickle cell anaemia, he will advise family planning clinics to carry out blood tests before prescribing such pills to those who may suffer from this disease.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeDoctors are already advised on the relevant data sheets not to prescribe certain oral contraceptives in cases of sickle cell anaemia. This advice is also given in the "Handbook of Contraceptive Practice" issued by the Department. The action taken by doctors to ensure that this condition is not present is a matter for clinical judgment.