31. Mr. A. T. DAVIES (Clitheroe)asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made by the Medical Officer of Health for Grimsby to the effect that of the deaths during April 15 children were too weak to live, and that were born weaklings because the mothers, through distress caused by unemployment, were not properly nourished; and what steps he proposes to take to arrest infantile mortality, the result of such causes?
§ Sir A. MONDMy attention has been drawn to a Press report of the statement referred to, and I am in communication with the town council with regard to it. The object of the maternity and child welfare work carried out by local authorities with my sanction and with the aid of the 1181 Government grant is to arrest infant mortality and to safeguard the health of mothers and children. This work includes the supply of milk, and in some cases meals, to expectant and nursing mothers.