HC Deb 07 February 1989 vol 146 cc640-1W
Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has about the percentage of women breastfeeding their baby at six weeks in each of the last five years.

Mr. Freeman

Annual statistics on the incidence of breastfeeding are not collected centrally. However, national surveys of infant feeding practices in 1975 (England and Wales), 1980 and 1985 (Great Britain), show that the percentages of women breastfeeding at six weeks were as follows:

Per cent.
1975
England and Wales only 46
1980
England and Wales 42
Great Britain 41

Per cent.
1985
England and Wales 40
Great Britain 38

Forward to