HL Deb 27 February 1998 vol 586 cc119-20WA
Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What role they envisage for the Brook Advisory Centres in delivering their target for reducing the rate of conceptions for girls below the age of 16 as outlined in The New NHS: Modern and Dependable. [HL724]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

In November 1997 the Government announced the development of a national programme to tackle the high rate of teenage conceptions in England. The principal aim of this programme is to reduce the number of teenage conceptions by supporting young people in deferring sexual activity and improving access to advice and counselling services, including contraception for those who are sexually active.

A consultation exercise on the national programme is currently under way. A wide range of organisations and individuals have been and will continue to be involved. These include professionals in primary and community health, education and social services as well as representatives of voluntary, community and user groups.

Local Brook Advisory Centres, along with other local services, can play a significant role in providing services for young people.