HC Deb 05 July 1979 vol 969 cc726-7W
Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether section 1(1) of the Infant Life Preservation Act 1929, has ever been applied to a developing foetus; and, if so, at what stage during the pregnancy.

Mr. Brittan

I have been asked to reply.

This Act applies only in the case of a child capable of being born alive. I am not aware of any prosecutions in recent years for offences of child destruction under it, and I have no information about the gestational age of any children in respect of whom earlier prosecutions have been brought.