HC Deb 09 March 1978 vol 945 cc780-2W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his estimate of the average number of children born each year without fully formed arms;

(2) what is his estimate of the average number of children born each year with some significant physical defect.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I am informed that, in 1976, there were reported to be 216 children born with a reduction deformity of the hand or arm and 176 with other specified malformations of the upper limb or shoulder. It is not possible to estimate the average number of disabled children born each year, because the reporting of congenital malformations is voluntary only and also because physical defects may not manifest themselves until some time after birth. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys' Monitor MB3 77/4 for details of the number of children reported as born with congenital malformations. A copy is in the Library of the House.