§ 32. Mrs. RUNGEasked the Minister of Health the reasons for the increase in cases of maternal mortality; and whether these cases are evenly spread all over the country or are more noticeable in certain areas?
Sir H. YOUNGThe rate of maternal mortality in 1932, though slightly higher than in 1931, was slightly lower than in the three preceding years, and it is not possible to assign specific reasons for these small variations in the yearly rate. On the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Lady to Chapter VI of the Final Report of the Departmental Committee on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity published last year.
Sir H. YOUNGIf that information were to become widely known it would remove some of the gross misrepresentations on the subject recently circulated in the Press.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether his Department is considering the question of the age distribution of maternal mortality to discover whether the increased mortality is due to the increased average age at which the mothers have children?
Sir H. YOUNGI think I can assure my hon. Friend that these aspects of the question are constantly under investigation and consideration, and in particular interesting questions of statistical analysis such as that to which he has just referred.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case, as stated in the "Daily Herald," that maternal mortality is a standing disgrace to civilisation, and that this Government in making "cuts" will make conditions worse instead of making them better and alleviating the situation?.
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir. That is an allegation which is absolutely without any foundation whatever in fact. I am delighted to be provided with this opportunity to give it the most categorical denial. On the contrary, the constant policy of His Majesty's Government is to press ahead with the development of the maternal services.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman able to ascertain whether in the better and the new housing areas of cities the rate of mortality is heavier or not?
Sir H. YOUNGIt is not always possible to relate statistics of mortality to any particular area which is not recog- 1982 nised by the Registrar-General as a unit area for the collection of statistics, but I may say that deductions based upon mortality in areas which are not sufficiently big to give a true statistical basis are often very misleading.