§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he has not yet given a substantive reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South who wrote to him on 14th February asking for an inquiry into allegations by Mr. Anwar Hussain of Stoke-on-Trent that the death of his wife in the 35th week of her pregnancy was caused by an anaesthetic fault at the North Staffordshire Maternity Hospital.
§ Mr. MoyleThe West Midlands Regional Health Authority is completing its inquiries into the circumstances of Mrs. Hussain's death with a view to sending me a full report. I am sorry that it is taking so long for a report to be provided, but my hon. Friend will understand that difficult medical issues are involved, with possible legal implications.