§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of abortions performed on girls under the age of 16 years have been carried out in (a) non-National Health Service premises and (b) pay beds in National Health Service hospitals in each of the last five years for which figures are available.
§ Mr. NewtonThe available information is shown in the table. The category of bed occupied in NHS hospitals is not collected in the notifications of abortions under the Abortion Act 1967. However, from the Hospital in-patient inquiry, a one in 10 sample of hospital discharges and deaths, it is estimated that of all women aged under 16 years whose pregnancies were terminated under the Act during the period 1981 to 1984, less than 1 per cent. occupied pay beds in NHS hospitals.
Percentage of all legal abortions to women, resident and non-resident aged under 16 years which were carried out in non-NHS premises England and Wales 1981 to 1985 Year Percentage 1981 39.8 1982 40.5 1983 41.6 1984 42.8 1985 42.3
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken to monitor the 569W number of abortions performed upon girls aged under 16 years in which the girl concerned signed the consent form for general anaesthetic.
§ Mr. NewtonThe General Medical Council has issued guidance to doctors about the considerations to which a doctor should have regard before offering advice or treatment to a child below the age of 16 who consults him and is not accompanied by a parent or person in loco parentis. The principles set out in that guidance apply equally to all forms of treatment, including where a general anaesthetic forms part of the treatment. The Department does not routinely monitor the operation of these procedures.