37. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many abortions were carried out in hospitals under the control of the Southampton Group Hospital Management Committee during 1971; and what were the equivalent figures for 1968, 1969 and 1970.
§ Mr. AlisonThe provisional figure for 1971, up to the end of September, is 286. Figures for previous years are 1968, 152; 1969, 347; 1970, 377.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the light of the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, regarding abortions in Great Britain, and the number of women coming to Great Britain for abortions, to what extent, on Great 140W Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, with free entry and travel within the countries of the enlarged Community, he estimates an increase in the present figures; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephI see no reason to expect any increase in the number of women coming to Great Britain for abortions as a result of our joining the European Economic Community. There will be no change from the present position under which foreign women who come to this country to obtain abortions are not eligible for free treatment under the National Health Service.