HC Deb 17 December 1941 vol 376 cc1919-20
12. Dr. Morgan

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the percentage of illegitimate births in the island of Barbados for the years 1940, 1939 and 1938?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)

The percentage of illegitimate births in the Island of Barbados for 1938 was 59 per cent. Figures for the years 1939 and 1940 are not available, but the Governor has been asked for them and I will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of his reply.

Mr. Sorensen

Will not my hon. Friend agree that one reason for this high percentage of illegitimate births is the social conditions of the Colony?

Mr. Hall

Yes, I should say that is one of the causes.