HC Deb 23 May 1928 vol 217 cc1877-8
57. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Minister of Health the average number of births per day for the first quarter of 1928; and whether this average figure represents an increase or a decrease on the corresponding figure for the first quarter of the preceding year?

Sir K. WOOD

On the provisional figures at present available there were on average 1,847 births registered per day during the first three months of 1928. This figure represents a decrease on average of eight births per day on the corresponding figure for the first three months of 1927.

Mr. THURTLE

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the recent statement in the Press as to an increase in the birth rate was erroneous?

Sir K. WOOD

It is certainly true that the rate of decline has very considerably slackened.