THOUGH it is bound to raise moral questions as to whether greater promiscuity is encouraged by free contraception for teenagers, the decision by health chiefs to make it available in one East Lancashire town is a practical response to an already-manifest concern.

For the step by the Communicare NHS Trust to open a drop-in sex clinic in Rishton where advice, health information and contraception will be offered to worried teenagers follows shock figures on the rate of pregnancies among girls in Hyndburn aged 15 to 17.

Not only is the level of 71 of every 1,000 girls in the age group becoming pregnant more than 25 per cent higher than the average for East Lancashire generally, it is also more than 50 per cent greater than the national rate of 45 per 1,000.

And even more disturbingly, the rate in Hyndburn has risen rapidly -- to the extent that the level of teenage pregnancy is now 26 per cent greater than it was three years ago.

The social and economic problems that this trend entails are considerable, but no matter how much it reflects the state of morality in Hyndburn -- an issue that parents, teachers and religious leaders must address -- if it is being added to by ignorance or fear, then it is foolish not to combat it with the sort of practical steps Communicare is taking in Rishton.

And there does seem to be evidence that this is the case when we hear from one councillor that in a town where a 'village gossip' mentality prevails many youngsters are currently terrified of seeking advice because they fear word might spread. At least, the availability of confidential advice and support might curb this factor and its evident contribution to the teenage pregnancy problem.

And though the underlying social and moral reasons for it -- ranging from the collapse of the family structure and marriage to peer-group and media pressures that encourage sexual liberty -- may not be mended by pills or advice, the aftermath cannot be ignored and does need the kind of action that is now being resorted to in Rishton.