§ Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in the light of the House of Lords judgment on the Gillick case, he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the prescribing by doctors in Northern Ireland of contraceptive devices or drugs to girls below the age of consent.
§ Mr. NeedhamIn its 1975 memorandum of guidance on family planning services the Department of Health and 315W Social Services advised that, in the case of young persons, consideration be given to the desirability of seeking parental consent to any proposed contraceptive treatment having regard to the Age of Majority Act (Northern Ireland) 1969. This advice is still in effect and there are no plans at present to change it. It is, however, intended to review all the advice on contraception issued in Northern Ireland taking account of the House of Lords' judgment and the views expressed on this matter.