HC Deb 06 December 1985 vol 88 cc361-2W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what purpose funds paid by his Department to the International Planned Parenthood Federation are intended.

Mr. Raison

IPPF provides family planning information and services in poor countries. ODA's grant is a contribution to the federation's work programme.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied that none of the funds made available through his Department to the International Planned Parenthood Federation are used to finance programmes involving elements of compulsory abortion and sterilisation and that none of the funds are used to substitute staff and resources which are used in such programmes.

Mr. Raison

The International Planned Parenthood Federation provides support for family planning associations, which are bound by the federation's overall policies. These clearly state that abortion is not a method of family planning and that individuals should not be coerced into practising family planning. I know of no evidence that any family planning association runs a compulsory abortion or sterilisation programme. The question of substitute staff and resources does not therefore arise.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the International Planned Parenthood Federation concerning compulsory sterilisation programmes in El Salvador.

Mr. Raison

I saw the federation's secretary general and other officials in February. The federation's programme in El Salvador was one of the issues raised, and I was assured that it had no element of coercion.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will cease the funding of the International Planned Parenthood Federation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

The Government intend to continue their support for the International Planned Parenthood Federation. They remain convinced that population issues are an important aspect of economic and social development, and that the fund has a significant role to play.