Contraceptives and the Young
Sta,—I am glad to find Janus on the side of those who think the easy sale of contraceptives to young people regrettable. I doubt, however, whether the sale of these through slot-machines makes much difference. A friend of mine, a welfare worker, once took the trouble to stand outside one of the many " rubber-shops " near one of the main railway stations in Manchester, and even he was astonished at the number of young lads who went in and out during the hour when workers were leaving shops and offices. The " availability " (" issue " is officially forbidden, we were always told as service chaplains) of contraceptives in the Forces cannot but have an effect on the habits of men still young returning to civilian life from National Service. But as all of us who have worked in industrial parishes know, the goods are purchased regularly by many who are no- where near National Service age. And am I particularly narrow- or nastv- minded in thinking that the practice of granting all-night passes to young British sailors in Mediterranean ports (after what I understand is much more definitely "issue" than "availability" of contraceptives in the Navy) is asking for trouble? Recently at a resort on the Italian Riviera I came across two young lads of the Navy whose ship had put in for a few days to" show the flag," who stated bluntly that there was no good point in being given all-night leave in such places (or anywhere else for them), and who were waiting for the next boat back to their ship.—Yours
The Rectory, Saxby-All-Saints, Brigg, Lincs.
BERNARD T. CROFT.
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