HL Deb 19 January 1995 vol 560 c51WA
Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the observations of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the petition from residents of Topsham, Exeter against the grant of public funds to the UN Population Fund and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, what specific efforts these two organisations are making to bring about change in China's family planning programmes, and what success they have had so far.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) report that the China Family Planning Association (CFPA) is working to curb excesses and bring abuses of reproductive rights to the attention of the authorities at township and provincial levels. CFPA's recommendations for reform of provincial family planning regulations in nine provinces, to give more emphasis to individual voluntary choice, have been adopted by the Chinese State Family Planning Commission.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has also held high-level discussions with the Chinese Government on provincial family planning regulations and has specifically requested that they bring all regulations into conformity with international human rights standards. In addition, UNFPA has developed projects that aim specifically at promoting informed consent and reproductive rights. Its Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director will visit China in February further to discuss these issues with senior Chinese officials.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the observations by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the petition from residents of Topsham, Exeter against the grant of public funds to the UN Population Fund and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, whether they will place in the Library of the House statements made by these two organisations opposing coercion in the implementation of the Chinese family planning programmes.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) are both advocates of the principle of voluntary choice in family planning. Both organisations oppose coercion in the implementation of family planning programmes in all countries. A sample of statements opposing coercion will be deposited in the Libraries of the House.