HC Deb 08 January 1942 vol 377 cc11-2
17. Sir F. Fremantle

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the main vital statistics for England and Wales in the years 1939 and 1940?

Mr. E. Brown

In the years 1939 and 1940 respectively, the birth-rates per 1,000 of the population were 14.9 and 14.6; the death-rates were 12.1 and 14.0. Maternal mortality was 2.82 and 2.61 per 1,000 total live births; infant mortality was 50 and 56 per 1,000 births. For 1940 the birth-rate and death-rates (with the exception of infant and maternal mortality) have been calculated on an estimated population which excludes non-civilians. The above information will be expanded in the summmarized report on the work of my Department which I hope to publish shortly.

Sir F. Fremantle

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is giving serious attention to the constant decline in the birth-rate and to the problems to which this gives rise?

Mr. Brown

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Rhys Davies

When is it proposed to issue the Annual Report of the Ministry of Health?

Mr. Brown

It will not be long now. The House will realise the difficulties in connection with printing.