HC Deb 01 April 1943 vol 388 cc341-2
65. Sir Francis Fremantle

asked the Minister of Health the birth-rate for England and Wales in 1941 and 1942, respectively?

Mr. E. Brown

The birth-rates for England and Wales in 1941 and 1942 were 14.2 and 15.8, respectively, per 1,000 population. The figure for 1942 is provisional.

Sir F. Fremantle

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that this welcome improvement is a short-term, temporary improvement or that it indicates any further improvement?

Mr. Brown

I prefer to wait and see.

66. Sir F. Fremantle

asked the Minister of Health the death rates for England and Wales in 1941 and 1942, respectively?

Mr. Brown

The death rates for England and Wales in 1941 and 1942 were 12.9 and 11.6, respectively, per 1,000 population. The figure for 1942 is provisional.

Sir F. Fremantle

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able in due course to give the standardised rates and comparative rates over a period recently, so that we can understand the bearing of these figures?

Mr. Brown

I will do my best to put them in a proper setting.

67. Sir F. Fremantle

asked the Minister of Health the rate of infant and maternal mortality for England and Wales in 1941 and 1942, respectively?

Mr. Brown

The infant and maternal mortality rates are the lowest ever recorded. As the full answer involves a tabular statement I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir F. Fremantle

Does this reply indicate that the right hon. Gentleman is feeling the value of maternity homes and the great need of further provision of these homes?

Mr. Brown

Not only that, but of all maternity and child welfare.

Following is the statement:

England and Wales.
1941. 1942 (provisional).
Infant deaths per 1,000 live births 59 49
Maternal deaths per 1,000 live and still births:
Post-abortive infection 0.35 0.35
Abortion without sepsis 0.19 0.11
Infection during childbirth and puerperium 0.47 0.42
Other maternal deaths 1.75 1.59