Written question asked by Diane Abbott (Labour) on Thursday, 15 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 March 2012. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 March 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Abortion: Advisory Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that respondents to his Department's forthcoming consultation on abortion counselling declare any (a) religious or ideological pro-life beliefs and (b) organisational funding from pro-life groups.

Answer: The forthcoming consultation on pregnancy counselling will be carried out in accordance with the Government Code of Practice on consultations that became effective from 1 November 2008.Ministers have agreed that the Government Code of Practice on Consultation is binding on United Kingdom Departments and their agencies unless Ministers conclude that exceptional circumstances require a departure from it.Among other things, the Code of Practice on Consultation states that:"““it is important to understand who different bodies represent, and how the response has been pulled together, e.g. whether the views of members of a representative body were sought prior to drafting the response.””"and"““the Government should provide a summary of who responded to the consultation""exercise and a summary of the views expressed to each question. This information should normally be published before or alongside any further action, e.g. laying legislation before Parliament.””"However, the guidance does not specifically state that respondents should declare beliefs or funding, and so respondents of this consultation will be under no obligation to do so.

Secondary information