To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she last discussed the issue of abortion with representatives of the Roman Catholic Church; what reply she gave; whether a note of the meeting was kept; whether she has further plans for such a meeting; and if she will make a statement. (80163)

My hon. friend, the Secretary of State for Health, met with representatives of the Roman Catholic Church on 21 June. It was a private meeting so no note was kept. However, a statement was issued after the meeting saying:

“The Cardinal raised several issues with the Secretary of State including the 24-week time limit on abortion. The Secretary of State reiterated the Government's position that it has long been the parliamentary convention that proposals for changes in the law on abortion have come from backbench members and that decisions are made on the basis of free votes. The Government believes this should still be the case and it has no plans to change the law on abortion.”

The Secretary of State has no further plans for such a meeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer of 20 June 2006, Official Report, column 1794W, on abortion, if she will ensure that the publication ‘Abortion Statistics, England and Wales 2005’ is made available on her Department’s website on 4 July at 9.30 am; and if she will make a statement. (81164)

The 2005 abortion statistics were published on the Department’s website at 9.30 am on 4 July 2006.