asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the growing increase in the number of charges against persons accused of performing illegal operations; and will he consider the introduction of legislation that will empower local authorities to provide the necessary knowledge of birth-control methods to working-class mothers?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

No, Sir. I have consulted the Secretary of State, who has no evidence of any growing increase in the number of charges. There has, in fact, been a substantial decrease since 1919. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on the 11th June.