And Really, Who Could Object to Such a Modest Proposal . . .

Last week, an intriguing proposition was mooted by Government minister Dawn Primarolo.

Teenage girls, she said, could be steered towards what is described as "long-term contraception".

This is now possible thanks to the development of contraceptive jabs and implants which can last up to five years.


In other words, there is a way of effectively sterilising girls for a lengthy period of time.


At what age? Well, doesn't 12 until 17 sound rather sensible?

This would have the advantage of bringing down the teenage pregnancy rate, so high in this country it makes us a disgrace among the nations - the worst offenders in Europe.

The abortion rate would fall sharply. And silly young girls could get on with the education that is meant to produce serious, responsible taxpayers, not benefit recipients.


Now, many people will see this modest proposal as little short of horrific - nothing less than state interference in our reproductive lives.


But think about it: it might not be such a bad idea.

. . . and the ones who reject the injections, and refuse to abort, well there was that other Modest Proposal on how to handle too numerous, yet nevertheless highly succulent, undesirable offspring.