§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received in connection with the introduction of RU486 into Britain; and if he will list the total number of(a) organisations and (b) individuals (i) in favour of and (ii) against its introduction.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIn the past 12 months we have received 86 representations about the drug RU486. Five were in favour of its introduction, 42 against and 39 sought information. Eighty-five were from individuals and one was from an organisation opposed to introduction of the drug.
§ Mr MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what directives he has given to directors of social services arising from the recommendations of the report of the inquiry into child abuse in Cleveland in 1987.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[pursuant to her reply, 2 May 1990, c. 548]: The social services inspectorate's inspection of Cleveland is now complete and the report is being published today. The inspection was conducted by the social services inspectorate with advice and assistance from representatives of Her Majesty's inspectorates of constabulary and schools. In addition, the Northern regional health authority made available as advisers a consultant paediatrician and a community unit general manager, both from outside the Cleveland area. The findings of the report are positive and the progress made by Cleveland since the last inspection is encouraging. The inspection has been a valuable exercise and the lessons learnt will be helpful for all agencies that undertake collaborative working for the protection of children from abuse. Copies will be placed in the Library.