§ 25. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health if he will give the figures covering general and infant mortality rates, respectively, for England, Wales and Scotland separately for the last five years, including 1932 if possible?
Sir H. YOUNGWith the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the figures for England and Wales in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With regard to the figures for Scotland the hon. Member should address an inquiry to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there has been an increase in infant mortality over England and Wales for 1932, as compared with 1931?
Sir H. YOUNGThe rates for England and Wales of infant mortality, giving the deaths in one year per 1,000 live births, were in 1932 65, and in 1931 66, so that there has been a decrease.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the statement of the Secretary of State for Scotland, that infant mortality is on the increase in Scotland as a result of the treatment that this Government has meted out to them?
§ Following are the figures:
| England and Wales. | |||
| Year. | General Death Rate per 1,000 estimated population. | Infantile Mortality Rate (viz., deaths under 1 year of age per 1,000 live births). | |
| 1928 | … | 11.7 | 65 |
| 1929 | … | 13.4 | 74 |
| 1930 | … | 11.4 | 60 |
| 1931 | … | 12.3 | 66 |
| 1932 | … | 12.0 | 65 |