§ Dr. Summerskillasked the Secretary of State for Scial Services whether he will institute a study on the subsequent effects of induced abortion, upon the mother, upon subsequent pregnancies, and upon children born subsequently.
§ Sir K. JosephI recognise the need for such a study. Steps are being taken to determine the criteria and controls required for such a project and I hope it will be possible to complete this necessary stage early in 1974.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women normally resident in the Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield and Liverpool Regional Hospital Board areas, respectively, had abortions performed privately in approved places in 1972; and what the percentage was of the total number of abortions notified for each area.
§ Sir K. JosephThe number of notifications of abortions performed in 1972 were as follows:
Hospital Region of Residence Number non-NHS Total Number (a) as percentage of(b) (a) (b) Birmingham 8,910 11,486 78 Leeds 2,724 5,117 53 Sheffield 3,918 7,872 50 Liverpool 2,144 3,966 54 These figures are published in the Appendix to the Registrar General's Weekly Return No. 34 of 1973 for the week ending 24th August 1973.