Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 June 1964.
Commander John Kerans
, Hartlepools, The
12:00,
4 June 1964
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to bring up to date those Sections of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861, which deal with abortion.
Mr Henry Brooke
, Hampstead
I have no present plans for legislation on this subject.
Commander John Kerans
, Hartlepools, The
Would not my right hon. Friend agree that there are many establishments performing abortions, in many cases in appalling circumstances, and that this causes hardship to many young girls and a lot of misery in the homes? If my right hon. Friend wants details, the Abortion Law Reform Society can supply a considerable mass of details covering the last few years. Surely doctors in this country should have greater freedom, especially on eugenic and rape grounds, to perform abortions. It is over a hundred years since the last legislation on the subject was introduced. Surely it is a matter that the Government should consider now.
Mr Henry Brooke
, Hampstead
My hon. and gallant Friend knows that this is a highly controversial question. He has referred to the views of doctors. I am sure that he is also aware that there is a very strong body of opinion in the medical profession in favour of leaving the law as it is.
Mr Kenneth Robinson
, St Pancras North
Does the Minister's Answer mean that he is satisfied with the present Statute and with all the consequences that flow from it, or does it merely mean that the Government regard it as inexpedient to embark on such controversial legislation at this stage of this Parliament?
Mr Henry Brooke
, Hampstead
Certainly not the latter. I am never satisfied, but I have doubts whether it is now appropriate to introduce legislation to amend this Act.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
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