HC Deb 16 June 1910 vol 17 c1445
Mr. STEPHEN GWYNN

asked whether the Returns of the Registrar-General show any change in the proportion of deaths in Ireland due to tuberculosis?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Registrar-General's Returns show that the total number of deaths from all forms of tuberculosis in Ireland have decreased from 11,679 in 1907 to 11,293 in 1908, and 10,594 in 1909. The marked decrease in the number of deaths from tuberculosis is very gratifying, and must prove a great encouragement to those who for some years past have been engaged in a strenuous effort to check and extirpate the disease.

Mr. MOONEY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is a fact that during the past twelve months the Registrar-General has adopted a completely different method of classification in the mortality Returns, and that that accounts for a considerable amount of the decrease?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not want to exaggerate or to minimise the decrease. The figures are as I have given, showing a decrease.

Mr. MOONEY

Is it not due to the new method of classification?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not know that there has been any change, but even if there has, I do not think it would have the effect suggested by the hon. Member.