HC Deb 23 May 1978 vol 950 cc545-7W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what action he is taking to provide support to single pregnant women under the age of 20 years to diminish the risk of death and handicap to their children;

(2) what support, both financial and social, is available to pregnant girls and mothers who are under the age of 16 years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Orme

I recognise that girls in these age groups are especially vulnerable and need full and early support from the maternity and ante-natal services; attention is drawn to this in the publication "Prevention and Health: Reducing the Risk".

Personal social services are of course available to all. As regards social support for pregnant girls and mothers under 16, a local authority has a duty to provide advice, guidance and assistance to promote the welfare of children and they can offer counselling and support to the girl and her family, which might include day care for the baby. In cases where it may be necessary for the girl to leave her home some local authorities and voluntary organisations have made special provision for this age group.

Girls over 16 who are working may qualify for the contributory maternity benefits, and special credits are available to help those who have recently entered insurance to satisfy the contribution conditions. In addition, if their resources are insufficient to meet their requirements, they are entitled to supplementary benefit. Girls under 16 cannot qualify for maternity benefit because they are too young to have contributed to the scheme and for supplementary benefit purposes are assessed as dependants of their parents. Extra help may be given to girls in both age groups for necessary items such as the layette.

After the baby's birth, child benefit, child benefit increase and family income supplement would be payable, regardless of the mother's age, provided the normal conditions were satisfied.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to expand the maternity services in view of the rising birth rate.

Mr. Moyle

In "Priorities for Health and Personal Social Services" it was recognised that because of the difficulties in forecasting the birth rate the level of maternity services in all localities would need to be stringently reviewed, and kept under review in the light of any local changes in the number of births. Since health authorities have this in mind in their planning, I see no need for any further action at this time.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the number of children born to girls under 16 years in the last year for which figures are available; and what was the incidence of perinatal mortality and congenital handicap.

Mr. Moyle

In 1976 there were 1,437 live and still births to girls under 16 in England and Wales. The perinatal mortality rate—that is, still births and deaths under one week of age—was 28 per 1,000 live and still births. The corresponding rate for congenital malformation is not available.

For girls under 15 there were 255 live and still births, perinatal mortality was 47 per 1,000 live and still births and congenital malformations reported at birth were 16 per 1,000 live and still births.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children were born to unmarried women under the age of 20 years in the last year for which figures are available; what was the incidence of congenital handicap and perinatal mortality; and what were the comparable figures for all births.

Mr. Moyle

In 1976 there were 58,585 live and still births to women under 20 in England and Wales, of which 20,073 were illegitimate. The perinatal mortality rate—that is, still births and deaths under one week of age—was 23 per 1,000 live and still births, and, for illegitimate births only, 27 per 1,000 live and still births. Figures for congenital malformations are not available separately for illegitimate birth; for legitimate and illegitimate births taken together, congenital malformations reported at birth were 23 per 1,000 live and still births.

For women of all ages, the corresponding rates per 1,000 live and still births were respectively 18, 24 and 21.