HC Deb 13 February 1968 vol 758 cc1117-8
8. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take to make the need to apply for registration under the Abortion Act more widely known by the proprietors of private nursing homes in the provinces.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Julian Snow)

I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to her Question on 11th December, 1967.—[Vol. 756, c. 9.]

Mrs. Short

Is my hon. Friend aware that that does not answer the Question at all? It is clear from that reply that no advertisements have been inserted in the provincial Press. Is my hon. Friend further aware that there are some counties in Britain which have no registered nursing homes for this purpose? Would he ensure that the advertisements are now inserted in the provincial Press where some result can be expected?

Mr. Snow

I will consider that, but, meantime, my hon. Friend may take comfort from the fact that 110 applications have been received from England and Wales, 65 sets of forms have been returned completed, and 48 approvals have been given. No applications have been received from Wolverhampton, although four have been received from the Birmingham area.