§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of women who applied for abortions in (a) York and (b) Newcastle had their applications granted in 1985; to what health or other factors he attributes the difference between the two figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeI regret that the information is not available in the form requested. In 1984, abortions to women resident in these health districts were:
District Health Authorities of residence Total Percentage in NHS Percentage outside NHS York 487 19.9 80.1 Newcastle 697 91.4 8.6 It is for health authorities to decide the level of their provision for abortion in the light of local needs and circumstances.