§ 30. Mrs. Hardieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what districts in Scotland has the largest percentage increase in infant mortality taken place?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)The latest figures available are those for the first six months of this year. Comparing these rates with the average of the rates for the first six months of the three years 1937, 1938 and 1939, the burghs showing the largest percentage increases are Dumbarton, Rutherglen, Hamilton and Paisley. Considerable increases are found in the counties of Nairn and Sutherland, but the small number of births in the first six months of 1941 renders any comparison unreliable.
§ Mrs. HardieIn view of this high rate of infantile mortality in Scotland, may I ask whether the Department are taking any steps to investigate the causes or are doing anything to prevent this terrible wastage of child life?
§ Mr. JohnstonThe answer to both parts of the Supplementary Question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWhat is the reason for the increase of infantile mortality in Dumbartonshire?
§ Mr. JohnstonI am afraid that the Supplementary Question would entail a very long supplementary answer, but, in my view, the increase arises from a very large number of causes, all directly attributable to war conditions.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the alarming statement made by the Secretary of State for Scotland, will he arrange for a series of meetings to discuss the matter with Scottish Members, to be held in St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh?