§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report his Department's guidelines for the size of maternity units in teaching hospitals in terms of the number of live births each year.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe Department has not issued such guidance. It is for health authorities to determine the size of maternity units needed to meet local demand. In doing so, factors such as the anticipated number of births, and the number of mothers and babies likely to require specialist care and facilities, will be taken into account.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the number of live births in each maternity unit in 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively, indicating which of those units are located in teaching hospitals.
§ Mr. WhitneyI shall let the hon. Member have such information as can be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost as soon as possible.