§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are being taken to combat single teenage pregnancies in England.
§ Mr. SackvilleOne of the main targets in the "Health of the Nation" White Paper is to reduce the rate of conceptions amongst the under-16s by at least 50 per cent. by the year 2000. Everyone—parents, health services, local authorities, the voluntary and education sectors and the Government—needs to work together to achieve this target. Measures which are effective in substantially reducing pregnancies in the under-16s can be expected to520W have a similar effect on unwanted pregnancies in the over-16s. A range of initiatives is under way both nationally and locally. These include comprehensive family planning services, ready access to professional advice suitable for young people and the provision of publications that will be helpful to both young people and their parents. Regional health authorities are currently reviewing national health service family planning services, with particular reference to the needs of the young. Grants have been awarded to enable voluntary organisations to carry forward projects related to the aims of "The Health of the Nation" White Paper. Responsibility for policy on sex education in schools is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education.