HC Deb 19 May 1938 vol 336 cc575-6
49. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any further

Particulars of Results of Joint Council of Midwifery Nutrition Scheme for Expectant Mothers from 1st July to 31st December, 1937.
Cases receiving Special Foods.
Period. Total Number of Mothers receiving food. Puerperal Death Rate from Sepsis. Puerperal Death Rate from Other Causes. Total Puerperal Death Rate. Maternal Death Rate from Associated Causes. Infant Death Rate (Stillbirth and Neo-natal).
1st July to 31st December, 1937. 4,446 Nil 0.45 0.45 0.67 54

report on the effect of maternal mortality of the special foodstuffs granted by the Special Commissioners through the National Birthday Trust Fund for expectant mothers?

Mr. Elliot

Particulars of results of this nutrition scheme, which is now being carried on by the Joint Council of Midwifery, covering the period from 1st July, 1937, to 31st December, 1937, have now been published, and with my hon. Friend's permission I will circulate a copy in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Miss Ward

In view of the satisfactory results of the experiment, may I ask what the next step is to be?

Mr. Elliot

We have to complete the experiment for which the Special Commissioner has given another £3,000.

Miss Ward

When is the experimental stage likely to be over?

Dr. Summerskill

What is the reduction per 1,000 of maternal mortality in these particular areas?

Mr. Elliot

Roughly speaking, the total puerperal death rate was 0.45 for those receiving special foodstuffs and 3.54 for those not receiving special food.

Following are the particulars:

Forward to