§ Dame Judith Hartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in the light of the report by Dr. Campbell Murdoch on the experiences of mothers of Down's syndrome children and of children with spina bifida, a copy of which has been sent to him by the right hon. Member for Clydesdale, he will issue new guidance to National Health Service hospitals, general practitioners and area health boards to improve their practices in this field.
§ Mr. YoungerI have received a copy of this report from the right hon. Lady and have read it with interest. It highlights the importance of professional attitudes and understanding towards children's handicapping conditions at a time of stress for parents. These are primarily matters of professional good practice and clinical judgment on which it would not be appropriate for me to issue specific guidance. I am, however, arranging to have the report drawn to the attention of relevant representative medical and nursing groups.