An investigation into sales of the “morning-after” pill to underage girls has been mentioned in the House of Lords.

Baroness Young highlighted the special Newcastle Journal report in which a 14-year-old bought the pill at two local pharmacies, claiming to be a 16-year-old who had had unprotected sex the night before.

The newspaper sent the teenager out to pharmacies across the region, and despite her age, she managed to purchase the emergency contraception at two shops.

Former Conservative minister Lady Young told the Lords: “I have had my attention drawn to an investigation by the Newcastle Journal of a 14-year-old girl who bought the pill over the counter from a chemist in Tyneside.

“I am appalled that a 14-year-old has been able to buy the pill in the North-East – but not at all surprised.

“No chemist is going to be able to know whether a girl is 14 or 16.”

The Journal launched its investigation after the Department of Health ruling that the pill should be available over the counter but under no circumstances should be sold to a girl under 16.

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