§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what studies he intends to initiate on the correlation of long-term use of the contraceptive pill with breast and cervical cancer.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMany studies are being conducted in this country and abroad on the long-term effects of the contraceptive pill, including possible association with breast and cervical cancer. As the results of these studies start to become available, they are carefully monitored by our Department and by the Committee on Safety of Medicines, in co-operation with regulatory authorities in other countries and with the World Health Organisation. The committee, which advises Ministers on the safety of all medicinal products, keeps the safety of oral contraceptives under constant review.