HC Deb 30 October 1987 vol 121 cc465-6W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to general practitioners about whom they should refer to Family Planning Clinics for the provision of contraceptive appliances free of charge on prescription, to help restrict the spread of AIDS; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

The "Handbook of Contraceptive Practice", issued by the Department to all general practitioners and other doctors working in family planning, refers to the value of condoms in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted disease; and to their availability from a range of sources including family planning clinics. The handbook is currently being revised by the Royal Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of General Practitioners to include specific references to AIDS.

Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services over what period of time the number of known AIDS sufferers in England and Wales is currently doubling.

Mr. Newton

At the present time, the number of cases of AIDS reported to the communicable disease surveillance centre from England and Wales is doubling every 10 months.