§ Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many terminations of pregnancy operations have been carried out in the Thanet area for each of the years since the Abortion Act came into force in 1967; and if he will give the average week of pregnancy in which the terminations were carried out.
§ Mr. MoyleThe estimated numbers of legal abortions performed on women normally resident in the area now comprising Thanet county district are as follows:
1968* … … 40 1969 … … … 124 1970 … … … 175 1971 … … … 201 1972 … … … 276 1973 … … … 256 1974 … … … 280 1975 … … … N/A * 27th April to 31st December only. N/A Not Available. Figures for the Canterbury and Thanet district were 520 in 1975 and 504 in 1974. The other information requested for the Thanet area is not readily available.
§ Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what National Health 674W Service facilities exist in the Thanet area for counselling about terminations of pregnancy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleIn Thanet, counselling for women seeking termination of pregnancy is provided in the NHS by general practitioners and consultant gynaecologists, involving, where appropriate, a consultant psychiatrist. My Department will issue soon a circular to health authorities giving general guidance on the arrangements for such counselling and requesting authorities to review arrangements in consultation with local authorities.