§ 17. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the report of the medical officer of health for the Borough of Southwark states that the infant mortality rate has increased from 68 per 1,000 in 1923, to 71 per 1,000 in 1924; that, during such period, there has been a large decline in the amount of milk given away to necessitous nursing mothers; and, in view of this fact, will he state whether the Southwark Borough Council have supplied free milk to the maximum value allowed by the Order of his Department?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy attention has been drawn to this Report, but I would point out that, according to the Registrar-General's figures, the infant mortality rates for 1923 and 1924 were for Southwark 70 and 71, and for the whole of London 61 and 69, respectively. The small increase in Southwark does not, therefore, appear to call for any special or local explanation. At the same time I am informed that the reduction in the amount of free milk distributed by the borough council was due to a decrease in the number of eligible applicants, and not to any action of the borough council in reducing the supply below the limit authorised by my Department.