asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what risk of congenital malformation or disability can follow from the provision of anti-rubella vaccine if conception follows within less than 28 days;(2) what advice her Department gives to general practitioners as to the time lag between giving an anti-rubella vaccination and advising patients to cease using anti-pregnancy pills.

There is a theoretical risk—though no firm evidence exists—that rubella vaccine virus may harm the developing foetus. Consequently pregnancy is a contra-indication to rubella vaccination and should be avoided for two months following vaccination. This advice is included in the Standing Medical Advisory Committee's memorandum "Immunisation Against Infectious Disease", which has been sent to all doctors in the National Health Service.