§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he gives to district health authorities to provide for the sterilisation of women on social grounds; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the provision of social sterilisations.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyHealth authorities are asked to make female sterilisation operations available as an NHS service both for medical reasons and on family planning grounds where, after full consultation, it is the method of choice. The priority which can be given to these operations generally is a matter for clinical judgment and local decision.