HC Deb 23 May 1973 vol 857 cc442-3
6. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many abortions and live births, respectively, were recorded in Scotland in 1972; and what were the comparable figures in 1970.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education, Scottish Office (Mr. Hector Monro)

The number of abortions notified was 5,254 in 1970 and 7,600 in 1972. The number of live births was 87,335 in 1970 and 78,550 in 1972.

Mr. Taylor

Is my hon. Friend satisfied with the operation of the Abortion Act in Scotland, and has he any plans to review it?

Mr. Monro

The Lane Committee is reviewing it. There is no abuse of the Abortion Act in Scotland at present.

Mr. David Steel

Will the Minister examine the special edition of last week's Daily Record on the working of the Abortion Act in the city of Glasgow and take that into account in any decision he may take?

Mr. Monro

I have studied that report very carefully indeed.

Mr. Small

Will the hon. Gentleman distinguish how many abortions took place in the private sector in private clinics compared with the National Health Service?

Mr. Monro

The figure is rather less than 1.5 per cent. in private clinics. It is a very small total indeed in Scotland.