§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many(a) direct and (b) indirect maternal deaths in England in each year between 1979 and 1981 occurred in National Health Service hospitals without consultant obstetric units; and how many were associated with anaesthesia.
§ Mrs. CurrieIn 1979–81 there were 22 direct maternal deaths directly due to anaesthesia in England and Wales. There were also a further seven deaths where the administration of anaesthesia made a contribution and of these deaths two were direct and five indirect maternal deaths. Information on where death occurred and the type of obstetric unit is not available.