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Family Planning

Volume 976: debated on Thursday 17 January 1980

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has now completed his review of his Department's advice to general practitioners concerning confidential contraceptive assistance to girls under the age of 16 years; and if he will make a statement.

Not yet. The advice that is being reviewed concerns professional staff working at family planning clinics administered by area health authorities as well as general practitioners.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about reductions in the family planning clinic services, especially those held in the evening to assist working women; and if he will make a statement.

Detailed information is not available centrally. Arrangements for family planning clinic services are the responsibility of area health authorities. Health authorities have been faced with the need to make savings in expenditure and in some places this has inevitably led to reductions in services, including family planning clinic services. I expect that authorities which find they must make savings in this field would bear in mind those people who find it difficult to attend a clinic during the day.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received on the effect of public expenditure cuts on the family planning services.

We have received a number of letters from individuals and organisations expressing concern at reductions in family planning clinic services proposed by some health authorities.