HC Deb 08 March 1932 vol 262 cc1635-6
55. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give statistics showing the infant mortality in Trinidad during the last three years; and to what extent the Government contribute annually to child welfare and maternity work in that Colony?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

Vital Statistics, Trinidad.
— 1928. 1929. 1930.
Total births 11,666 12,695 12,730
Still births 927 977 947
Total deaths 7,844 7,779 7,721
Deaths under 1 year 1,500 1,624 1,617
Deaths at age of 1 year 419 354 325
Deaths at age of 2 years 147 134 109
Deaths at age of 3 years 75 71 69
Deaths at age of 4 years 61 52 53
Deaths at age of 5 years 208 187 195

There is a Child Welfare League in Trinidad to which the Government contributes £900 per annum. A special clinic for sick children is maintained at the Colonial Hospital, and there is a Mothers' and Infants' Clinic in Port-of-Spain.