To ask the Leader of the House whether she plans to provide Government time on the Floor of the House to debate abortion during (a) Session 2008-09 and (b) Session 2009-10; what representations she has received on the matter since July 2008; and if she will make a statement. (233913)

Plans for debates will be announced throughout the Session by my right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of the House in the usual way. I understand the interest in this issue and I am aware that for many years the matter of abortion has been raised from the Back Benches.

My right hon. and learned Friend has had no official meetings on this specific issue since July 2008.

The Government have no plans to legislate.