§ 21. Dame Joan Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether chromosomal testing for pregnant women is available for women under the National Health Service; whether he is satisfied as to the efficiency of such tests; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Mr. David Ennals)Couples in whose families there is evidence of inheritable disease can obtain specialist advice at National Health Service Genetic Advisory Centres. 7 Chromosomal testing of prospective parents is performed at some of these centres and I am advised that it is effective within the limits of current knowledge; but the technique for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in unborn children is still a matter for research and is not generally available; its safety has yet to be fully established.
§ Dame Joan VickersI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. How many mongoloid children were born last year? Are not more elderly women in greater need of this test, as they are more liable to give birth to this type of child?
§ Mr. EnnalsIt is true that this condition occurs more in children of older mothers than it does in children of younger mothers. I should need notice before I could tell the hon. Lady the numbers.