§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total number of deaths attributed to abortion in England and Wales for each of the years 1969 to 1974 inclusive; and how many were classified as legal abortions, as spontaneous abortions and as illegal abortions, respectively.
§ Dr. OwenThe numbers of deaths in England and Wales attributed to abortion were as follows:
a politically partisan nature concerning private medicine within the National Health Service; and if she is satisfied with the operation of these rules.
§ Dr. OwenHealth authorities act for the Secretary of State in carrying out the 775W functions delegated to them. I rely on the discretion of their chairmen and members not to make public statements on health service matters contrary to stated Government policies. They are free to comment on matters which, like the future implementation by legislation of the Government's policy on private medicine, are the subject of public consultation, but I would expect them to avoid giving any impression of political partisanship.