§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the figures on the number of(a) direct and (b) indirect maternal deaths in England and Wales in 1982, 1983 and 1984 in National Health Service hospitals without consultant obstetric units, and the number of these associated with anaesthesia, are yet available.
§ Mr. FreemanIn England and Wales between 1982 and 1984 there were 18 maternal deaths from anaesthesia and one in which anaesthesia contributed to the death. Information on where death occurred is not available in the precise form requested. However, we do have the following details: