§ 15. Mr. LOUGHasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the increase of infant mortality both in London and throughout the country; and whether, having regard to the seriousness and urgency of this question in its relation to the problems created by the War, he can see his way to introduce and pass as an uncontentious measure a Bill which, by the more stringent enforcement of the prompt registration of birth, the greater safeguarding of the health of mothers, the establishment of public crêches, or other methods, may tend to abate this evil?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Long)I am fully aware of the importance of this matter, and, as I intimated to a deputation on Thursday last, I am anxious to introduce without delay a measure making the Notification of Births Act of general application and conferring certain powers on local authorities for safeguarding the health of infants and expectant mothers. I shall be very glad if hon. Members will co-operate with me in securing the unopposed passage of the Bill.
Mr. CATHCART WASONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will confer with his right hon. Friend sitting next to him as to the enormous quantity of drunkenness there is amongst the mothers and women in many parts of London?
§ Mr. LONGI have two of my right hon. Friends sitting next to me, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are in possession of very full information on 485 various aspects of this case, and he may rely on us to do our best to improve the conditions.