§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest figures for induced births, as a percentage of all hospital births; and how many are induced for purely medical reasons.
§ Dr. Owen31.5 per cent. of all hospital births were induced in England and Wales in 1972, the latest year for which figures are available. It is not possible to state how many were induced for purely medical reasons but the studies announced by my center hon. Friend in her reply to the center hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe) on 19th December 1974—[Vol. 883, c.552–3.]—include work which will provide information on the balance of medical and social factors involved.