Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what measures are in place to prevent public funds paid to (a) the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, (b) Marie Stopes International, (c) the Family Planning Association and (d) Brook Charity from being used to support lobbying activities; and if he will make a statement.

Prior to the 2015-16 financial year, the Family Planning Association (FPA) and Brook have received grant funding from the Department. All funding applications from voluntary sector organisations are assessed against a number of criteria, but Departmental policy clearly states that grants will not be awarded if there is any indication within the application that some or all of any funding awarded will be used to support political activities, including political lobbying activity. Up to April 2015, the Department had a contract with the FPA for a sexual health information service; this work has been extended for one year and is being managed by Public Health England. FPA’s contract excluded all lobbying activities. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service and Marie Stopes International receive no funding from the Department.