§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many abortions without sterilisation were performed in 1971 in England and Wales by vacuum aspiration or by dilatation and curettage before 13 weeks' gestation; and of these, how many deaths were attributed to the operation and how many to other causes.
§ Mr. AlisonThe information is as follows:
Abortions performed without sterilisation in England and Wales, 1971 (Provisional Figures) Gestation period under 13 weeks By Vacuum Aspiration By Dilatation and Curettage Cases 37,697 47,585 Deaths: Attributed to operation — 1 Attributed to other causes — — Open verdicts — 1