HC Deb 05 June 1934 vol 290 cc759-60
54. Mr. THORNE

asked the Minister of Health the infant mortality for the various wards in the Borough of Widnes; and what action he is taking, in view of the gravity of the figures in some of the wards?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

The infant mortality rate for this borough in 1933 was 63 per 1,000 live births, as compared with a rate of 64 for England and Wales as a. whole. My right hon. Friend has not yet received information as to the rates for the various wards of the borough, but he will communicate with the local authority on the subject.

Mr. THORNE

Is it not a fact that in some of the wards in this particular area the infant mortality is as high as 180 per 1,000?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I am awaiting that information.

Mr. ROBINSON

Is it not a fact that the Widnes Town Council have taken advantage of the Government's policy and have inaugurated a big slum clearance scheme in the very ward where infant mortality is highest?

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