§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many babies have so far been born in England who were HIV positive at birth;
(2) how many babies have been born in England to mothers who are HIV positive.
§ Mr. NewtonThe number of babies born to mothers who are HIV positive is not known, since pregnant women are not routinely tested for HIV antibodies. However, to the end of March the communicable disease surveillance centre had received reports of a total of 20 children who have antibodies to HIV and whose mothers are known to he infected or at high risk. The presence of antibody at birth is not necessarily an indication of infection, and it is probable that some of these babies will eventually be shown to be free of infection.