§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by health board the total number of women receiving epidural analgesia during childbirth each year over the past five years; the total number excluding those giving birth by caesarean section, receiving epidural356W analgesia during childbirth each year over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the provision of epidural anaesthetics.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe information requested is not held centrally. The administration of epidurals to patients is a matter for the clinical judgment of the consultants involved.