HC Deb 02 November 1973 vol 863 cc28-9W
Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women died from illegal abortions in England and Wales in each of the years 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972.

Mr. Alison

Deaths in England and Wales assigned to abortions which were not induced for medical and other legal reasons (ICD categories 642–645) were as follows: 1968, 45; 1969, 25; 1970, 22; 1971, 15; 1972, 16 (provisional).

Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the mortality rate attributed to legal abortion in England and Wales for each of the years 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972.

Mr. Alison

The death rates in England and Wales for legally induced abortions were as follows:

Per 100,000 live and still births
1969 1.2
1970 1.3
1971 1.5
1972 1.4 (provisional)

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women resident in the Manchester Regional Hospital Board area had abortions performed privately in approved places in 1972; and what was the percentage of the total number of abortions notified for the area.

Mr. Alison

The number of notifications of abortions performed in 1972 were as follows:

Hospital Region of Residence Number non-NHS (a) Total Number (b) (a) as percentage of (b)
Manchester 2,926 7,968 37

These figures are published in the Appendix to the Registrar General's Weekly Return No. 34 of 1973 for week ending 24th August 1973.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what organisations he intends to consult after the publication of the report of the Lane Committee, before he reaches any final decision on the committee's recommendations.

Sir K. Joseph

I will have to await receipt and study of the committee's report before deciding whom to consult.