§ Dr. Stuttafordasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will waive the restrictions on places approved under the Abortion Act which effectively prevent them from undertaking day-care treatment.
§ Sir K. JosephNo. I have, however, authorised a pilot scheme at an approved place in Brighton, owned and managed by British Pregnancy Advisory Service, under which the proprietors will be freed from the requirement that they should endeavour to persuade their patients to remain overnight after treatment. The scheme will apply to a small number of selected patients and the approved place will continue to be bound by its undertaking to limit operations to the number of beds available for overnight stay. I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements have been made for the proper care and after-care and assessment of patients. It is hoped that this scheme when fully assessed will provide information as to whether the existing restrictions should be revised and, if so, in what way.