HC Deb 22 July 1918 vol 108 cc1450-1
43. Mr. BOOTH

ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the medical officers of his Department have reported that 1,000 babies a week are dying because a new Government Department is not formed to take over the duties of the Local Government Board and to continue its labours under the title of a Ministry of Health; and, if so, will he state on what grounds this calculation has been made?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)

No such report has been made by the medical officer of the Local Government Board. The conception of the statement as to the saving of 1,000 babies' lives a week is probably to be found in a Report on Child Mortality under five years of age, dated March, 1917, in which the medical officer stated that it is well within the range of administrative action, by means of improved housing and sanitary administration, better medical and nursing care, and a higher standard of conduct through educational measures, to reduce child mortality within the next few years to one-half of its present amount.

Mr. BOOTH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a spurious agitation has sprung up on this suggestion, and it has been repeatedly made, that if the Department were reorganised it would save a thousand babies a week?

Mr. FISHER

I am aware of an agitation, of which I fully approve, to do everything that is possible, both by legislation and administration, to reduce the infant mortality, which is so prejudicial to the future of this country.

Mr. ANDERSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman any doubt that improved administration and legislation would decrease the number of children who die, whether it is a thousand a week or not?

Mr. FISHER

I am quite certain, and I have often stated, that improved administration, coupled with judicious legislation, will undoubtedly lead to the result which we all desire, namely, a diminution in infant mortality.

Mr. BOOTH

Will mere juggling with the Department, calling it by another name, save any babies' lives?

Mr. FISHER

No; juggling will never save lives.