HC Deb 16 July 1936 vol 314 cc2210-1
14. Mr. JAMES GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the maternal mortality rate in the industrial districts of South Wales is substantially in excess of the average maternal mortality rate for the country as a whole, and that this high rate is attributed by the medical officers of health in those districts to the impoverishment imposed by the existing low rates of unemployment benefit and assistance; and whether he will take steps to increase the rates of benefit and assistance and so prevent this loss of life due to poverty?

Mr. E. BROWN

I am not aware of any statement made by medical officers of health in South Wales attributing the higher maternal mortality rate in industrial districts in South Wales to impoverishment due to the rates of unemployment benefit and assistance. The last part of the question does not therefore arise.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the high maternal mortality rate in those districts is due to the poverty caused by the low unemployment benefits, and will he reconsider the matter if I supply him with evidence?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will read his question, he will see that it says: attributed by the medical officers of health in those districts to the impoverishment imposed by the existing low rates of unemployment benefit and assistance. I say that I have no evidence of that.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter if I supply him with evidence?

Mr. BROWN

I shall always be glad, as the hon. Member knows, to receive any information.