§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many National Health Service female sterilisation operations were performed on social grounds in 1977 in each of the regional health authorities;
(2) how many area health authorities entirely restrict sterilisation operations to what they consider medical grounds, and refuse these operations even to women who have already had several children.
§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the net cost or saving to the National Health Service involved in a female sterilisation operation as compared to (a) an abortion, and (b) a birth including ante-natal and postnatal care.
§ Mr. MoyleIt is not possible to calculate the relevant costs in view of the many variable factors involved.