FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION

11. Inche Mohamed Sidik Bin H. A. Hamid asked the Minister for Health if he will state what the policy of the Government is regarding the Family Planning Association.

Mr A. J. Braga: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has no set policy regarding the Family Planning Association. I assume from the question asked by the Member for the Southern Islands (Inche Mohamed Sidik Bin H. A. Hamid) that he is anxious to know whether this Government will make further monetary contributions towards this Association. Well, the question is highly controversial, as hon. Members of the House know, from the recent articles in the Press. It also involves the conscience and religious convictions of the individual. So the Government has thought it proper that an opportunity should be afforded the House for a debate and a free vote at the appropriate time. Members on both sides of the House, whether they be on the Front Bench or the Back Benches, will therefore have an opportunity to vote individually according to their conscience.