§ Miss Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of babies battered by their parents or guardians are known to have occurred in England and Wales in 1972.
§ Sir K. JosephAlthough some local authorities maintain registers information is not collected centrally. I am considering whether to do so would help in promoting the early diagnosis and treatment of the children and their parents.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, to assist his consideration of means of identifying battered children, he will estimate the proportions which are discovered through each of the following agencies: (a) hospital, (b) general practitioners, (c) health visitors, (d) local authorities, (e) police, (f) neighbours, (g) family, and (h) anonymous informants.
§ Sir K. JosephIn a recent study of 292 cases of suspected abuse to children under the age of 4 reported to the NSPCC, published by its Battered Child Research Department in September 1972, it was found that sources of referral included:
Hospital 52 General Practitioners 7 Health Visitors 32 Local Authority Department 17 Police 16 General Public 40 Family 54 Anonymous 2 These figures, with further information necessary for their interpretation, are given on page 8 of the study report, a 108W copy of which I recently sent to the hon. Member.