§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of (a) all births and (b) births in National Health hospitals were induced in 1975, 1976 and 1977, respectively; what proportion of inductions involved the use of oxytocin; what is his policy towards the routine use of oxytocin; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Moyle:The estimated number of inductions as percentages of all deliveries in NHS hospitals in England and Wales in 1973, 1974 and 1975, the last three years for which figures are available, was 37.2 per cent. 39.4 per cent. and 37.1 per cent. respectively; the comparable figures for all births in England and Wales were 33.9 per cent., 36.6 per cent. and 34.8 per cent, respectively. The specific methods of induction used are not separately identified. I have no evidence to suggest that any method, including the use of oxytocin, is carried out for other than medical reasons in NHS hospitals. There are, however, many medical indications where the continuation of pregnancy threatens the 623W health of the mother or her baby and in these cases I would expect the use of the appropriate medical technique to reduce this threat to be carefully considered by the doctor in charge of the individual case.