§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the population of babies in the United Kingdom who were born after 40 or 41 weeks' gestation in each of the last five years; what action he is taking to reduce the causes of preterm birth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Moyle:Since information about gestational age is not collected centrally, I regret that the figures requested are not available. Measures to reduce the chances of premature birth are a matter for the clinical judgment of the obstetrician in each case; but I have already indicated to my hon. Friend our interest in further research in this field.