HC Deb 08 February 1965 vol 706 cc20-1
12. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Health why the infant mortality rate in one year is almost 20 per cent. higher in the Northern counties than in the Southern counties; and what steps are being taken to improve the situation.

92. Mr. Rose

asked the Minister of Health, whether he will investigate further the causes of the high infant mortality rate in the Manchester area and northern counties.

94. Mr. Heffer

asked the Minister of Health in which area the incidence of infantile mortality is highest; and what are the reasons for it.

Mr. K. Robinson

In 1963, the highest infant mortality rate was in the four South-Eastern counties of Wales. There is no simple explanation of regional variations, but economic and social factors are thought to play some part. Research into the causes of these variations is continuing and future action must depend on the outcome.

Mr. Shepherd

In view of the fact that we have a disparity between the eastern region rate of 16.7 deaths per thousand live births and the rate of my own region—the north-west—of 25 per thousand, will the right hon. Gentleman give serious consideration to a more detailed study of this question? Could it not be remitted to one of the universities for social study, because there is here a disparity very difficult to understand?

Mr. Robinson

The Registrar-General is to make a special study of infant deaths in 1964 by regions, according to social class, age of mothers and the number of previous children, I am afraid that the results of this study are not likely to be available until the middle of 1966.

Mr. Rose

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there appears to be a correlation between substandard housing and high infant mortality? Is he further aware that there is an acute shortage of midwives in the Manchester Hospital area? Will he take the necessary action to deal with this legacy of 13 years of Tory rule?

Mr. Robinson

I am sure that in so far as these factors contribute to the disparity in the figures, they will be brought out in the research studies.

Mr. Heffer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on Merseyside we have long held the view that the whole question of the infant mortality rate is due to a question of social class and that there is bad housing in areas in which there is a high rate of infant mortality; and that we shall very much welcome the report and a closer analysis of the factors in this question?

Mr. R. W. Elliott

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an excellent research on this subject—now in its fourth year—is being undertaken by the University of Newcastle under the guidance of Professor Russell? Is he further aware that there is an associated research into crippled children being undertaken by the University of Newcastle? Will he look into the possibility of more money being allocated for this research, as the United States has recently subscribed 35,000 dollars to it?

Mr. Robinson

I was not aware of the Newcastle study. I certainly knew that arrangements had been made for information to be collected locally from the beginning of 1964 about birth abnormalities. The question of research grants is probably one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science rather than for me.