§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the potential reduction in the incidence of neural tube defects in babies which could be achieved, he will estimate the cost of prescribing 5 mg of folic acid daily to all women throughout pregnancy and to women contemplating becoming pregnant.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergAs it has not been established that folic acid taken daily in the quantity suggested would be beneficial, there would be no point in estimating the cost.
Registrar General's population estimates for England and Wales Males Females Number (000) As percentage of population Number (000) As percentage of population mid-1945 Retired* 1,851 4.34 3,682 8.64 Aged 80 and over 198 0.46 361 0.85 mid-1962 Retired* 2,125 4.56 4,828 10.35 Aged 80 and over 298 0.64 631 1.35 mid-1981 Retired* 2,978 6.00 6,001 12.10 Aged 80 and over 387 0.78 1,015 2.05 * Males aged 65 and over; females aged 60 and over.