§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the number of abortions as a percentage of conceptions is 35.3 per cent. in Wandsworth as compared with 19.8 per cent. for England and Wales.
§ Baroness HooperIt is not appropriate to compare Wandsworth Health Authority's rate of 35.3 per cent. as a percentage of conceptions in 1989 with those for England and Wales. Various demographic, social and other factors can influence abortion rates and direct comparison of one area with another can be misleading. The noble Lord may wish to discuss the abortion rates in Wandsworth with the Chairman of the district health authority Dr. Enid Vincent.