HC Deb 25 January 1951 vol 483 c296
38. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Health the number of deaths in Liverpool for the week ending 13th January, 1951; how many were over 65 years of age; and what was the number of deaths in Liverpool for the worst of the influenza epidemic in 1919.

Mr. Marquand

There were 949 deaths from all causes registered in Liverpool in the week ending 13th January, 1951. The information asked for in the second part of the Question is not at present available; but, of the 216 deaths for which influenza was mentioned on the death certificate, 146 were of people aged 65 and over. The greatest number of deaths from all causes in Liverpool in one week during the influenza epidemic in 1919 was 642.

Mrs. Braddock

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the figures for the week ending 13th January are the highest on record for the Liverpool area? Is it a fact that his Department knew of the possibility of this very virulent type of influenza in the early part of November, and in consultation with the local health authorities decided not to make any reference to it in case of interference with trade in Liverpool?

Mr. Marquand

That is a very long supplementary question. I should be glad if my hon. Friend would put it on the Order Paper.