Mary Henry (Independent)

It is a difficult area. Speaking as a doctor, it is important to remember that sexual intercourse frequently results in pregnancy. It is quite common. I have to deal with children as young as 11 who are pregnant and it is not a desirable situation. If we continue to lower the age of consent, young girls will become pregnant and will have problems. We have seen children as young as 12 being brought here for arranged marriages; certain ethnic groups allow that. It is not, however, a policy we should encourage. The Minister should look at this remembering the general outcome of sexual intercourse, particularly in view of the fact it is almost impossible to get adults to use protection, never mind telling children what they should do in such situations.