§ 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 1976 and 1978 occurred in National Health Service hospitals without consultant obstetric units; and how many were associated with anaesthesia.
§ Mrs. CurrieIn 1976–78 there were 30 direct maternal deaths directly due to anaesthesia in England and Wales. There were also a further 10 deaths where the administration of anaesthesia made a contribution, and of these deaths five were direct and five were indirect maternal deaths. Information on where death occurred and the type of obstetric unit is not available.