§ 7. Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she can now give any information as a result of the inquiry into inducement of birth, which was commenced in December 1974.
§ Dr. OwenSo far studies have been completed at only five of the eight hospitals to be visited: the delay followed the hospital consultants' dispute. The inquiry should now be completed in the autumn. I shall then also have the results of the pilot survey of attitudes by the Institute for Social Studies in Medical Care.
§ Mrs. WiseWill my hon. Friend accept that this is a matter which is causing a great deal of worry to many women and that many of us believe it to be extremely urgent? In view of the delay, will he advise hospitals that the use of this process should not be increased since the birth process is not suitable for more mechanisation and pregnant women are not on the production line? Many of us think that interfering with this process with insufficient knowledge is very reprehensible.
§ Dr. OwenI share the concern of my hon. Friend, which is widespread, particularly among women. I honestly think that I would be wrong to intervene until I have at least received the initial information. However, I shall consider the possibility of issuing guidance in the light of information that we shall receive in the late autumn.