HC Deb 03 March 1969 vol 779 cc3-4
2. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now take steps to set up special units for the termination of pregnancy in those areas where regional hospital boards are not carrying out their duties under the Act.

57. Mr. St. John-Stevas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement of policy on the setting up of special units for the termination of pregnancy in regional hospital areas.

Mr. Crossman

The provision of special units would do nothing to increase the medical or nursing staff or operating facilities available for this treatment.

Mrs. Short

Would my right hon. Friend say what he intends to do, because from the notifications it is clear that in some parts of the country women are not able to get this operation performed? Is he further aware that in both London and Birmingham it has been necessary to set up advisory centres where women can be guided towards hospitals where the operation can be performed? Does he not think that if units were set up, using doctors on a rota, the staff shortage could be overcome?

Mr. Crossman

In answer to the last part of the question, I can only repeat that I do not agree with my hon. Friend. I do not think that that proposal would help. The setting up of special units to advise women is obviously sensible and should be encouraged, but the answer to my hon. Friend's specific question is "No". Her proposal would not help.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Would it not help members of the gynaecological profession who have conscientious objection to abortion? Is it not the point that by facilitating the passage of the Act the Government have created a demand for abortion which economically they are now unable to meet?

Mr. Crossman

I do not think that that is in any way true. The provision of a service tends to create a demand or to increase a demand, but I would not have thought that the other conclusion which the hon. Member drew follows at all.