FOETAL LEARNING

Early day motion 1116, tabled 20 March 1998 by Joe Benton (Labour). Signed by 16 members.

That this House notes that the work of behavioural scientists, W. Stephen Evans of Keele University and R. Parncutt of Bath University, presented at the 1998 Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society, indicates that the beginning of both hearing and remembering begins before the 20th week of pregnancy; notes that this suggests that both hearing and learning may stem from the thalamus, the lower part of the brain, and not, as generally accepted, solely from the cortex which does not develop until late in pregnancy, after the 24th week; notes that their studies could be of significance in developing treatment and care of premature infants; further notes that the work may also help in research into the causes and possible treatment of psychological problems in children, including those suffering from dyslexia; notes that Evans and Parncutt are now involved in an extended study of three years which may develop further our understanding of foetal learning from as early as 16 weeks and the possible effects of trauma on post-natal development; and calls on the Government to sponsor further work of this nature and back-up studies in the development of preventive care to minimise possible damage caused by trauma in the womb as well as treatment and healthcare for children with special needs.

Signatures by party: Labour 7, Conservative 4, Labour/Co-operative 2, Liberal Democrat 2, UUP 1.