§ 77. Mr. Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the rapid decrease in population which will soon take place, he will state what steps the Government proposes to take in the near future to increase the birth rate?
§ Mr. BernaysWhile my right hon. Friend does not wish to be taken as assenting to my hon. Friend's assumption that a rapid decrease in the population will soon take place, it is intended to study the problem further in the light of the information which will be forthcoming under the recent Population (Statistics) Act.
§ Mr. PilkingtonDoes my hon. Friend realise that this problem will become more difficult of solution the longer it is left?
§ Mr. BernaysAs a matter of fact, since the Population (Statistics) Bill was passed by this House, the population has increased.
§ Sir Francis FremantleIs the inquiry, which was started 18 months ago by the Government in order to prove the obvious, going to be reported on shortly, so as to enable a definite statement of policy to be accepted?
§ Mr. BernaysA much more extensive investigation than has yet been possible will be necessary before a definite statement can be made.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs it not an obvious fact that the population is still steadily increasing?