HC Deb 23 July 1925 vol 186 c2394
40. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Health what is the relative increase of population among those of normal health and mind and those of weak or imbecile mind, respectively; and whether the Ministry has considered the effect on the national life of the greater productivity of the latter class?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I regret that I have no sufficient statistical information to indicate, whether the proportion of persons of weak mind is increasing or not; but the incidence of mental defect is being made the subject of expert investigation.

Mr. HURD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the authoritative estimate that, speaking generally, a mentally weak person produces two children for every single child produced by one of normal health, and, seing the effect of this upon national life, is the. subject engaging his attention?

Mr. THURTLE

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, will he consider that aspect of the question in regard to birth control?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think that I have answered the question on the Paper, and with regard to the latter part of the question, as I read it, I am not prepared to admit the assumption which it makes.