§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he now expects to publish the findings of the Royal College of General Practitioners' study into post-abortion trauma, commissioned in 1976; what work his Department is undertaking into the physical and psychological effects of abortion; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe researchers have recently produced papers for publication and others will follow shortly. All the findings of this study will be considered carefully as will the need for further work in this field.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to respond to the Social Services Select Committee's 10th report of Session 1989–90 on the conscience provisions of the Abortion Act 1967; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe are carefully considering the Committee's report and will be publishing our response shortly.