§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of terminations of pregnancy in(a) the North Devon health authority and (b) the East Berkshire health authority were carried out under the NHS in the last year for which figures are available; what would be the additional cost if the North Devon percentage applied nationwide; and what steps she is taking to establish reasons for geographical differences on the proportion of terminations of pregnancy carried out under the NHS.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe proportion of terminations of pregnancies for the two health authorities concerned for 1992 is as follows:
1Total 1NHS funded Per cent. East Berkshire HA 1,157 120 10.4 North Devon HA 307 292 95.1 1 These statistics are based on the (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Abortion Monitor (AB 94/2) due to be published on 20 February 1994. The cost of a termination of pregnancy in the national health service varies according to factors such as gestation and length of stay. It is not therefore possible to provide any meaningful estimate of the additional cost if the North Devon percentage applied nationwide. Arrangements for purchasing abortion services under the NHS are the responsibility of individual district health authorities in the light of their assessment of local needs and priorities.