HC Deb 29 March 1965 vol 709 cc1182-3
38. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied with the research facilities on infant mortality in the north-east of England; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Loughlin

The incidence of infant mortality in all regions of England and Wales is being studied by the Registrar-General. Local studies, both publicly and privately sponsored, are also in progress, including a special community research project at Newcastle. We welcome all efforts to add to existing knowledge in this field.

Mr. Elliott

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Princess Mary Maternity Hospital, Newcastle, is 100 years old and that its research facilities are very inadequate? Is he aware that in consequence there is considerable concern that there is not a maternity hospital planned in the next ten years in the teaching group of the North-East centred upon Newcastle-on-Tyne? Will he look at this question?

Dame Irene Ward

Hear hear.

Mr. Loughlin

I can appreciate the hon. Lady the Member for Tynmouth (Dame Irene Ward) saying "Hear hear", but we have been concerned with this for little longer than six months. We are examining it. As I indicated in my Answer, the Registrar-General is studying the causes of infant deaths in 1964 by region and according to social class, age of mothers and various other factors. We can only examine the matter as far as we possibly can. I think that we are doing what we can about it.

Mr. Wood

In view of the very disquieting figures about deaths which his right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd), will the hon. Gentleman undertake to take this matter very seriously indeed, and try and make as quick progress as possible?

Mr. Loughlin

I do not know what the right hon. Gentleman means when he asks that we should take it seriously indeed. I wonder why he did not take it so seriously in the period when he was in the Government. The Registrar-General is carrying out studies in Birmingham, Bristol, and Gloucester and one is being carried out by the Welsh Board. We are taking the matter seriously and we shall be getting information. Once we have got it we will act upon it.

Sir Knox Cunningham

What does the hon. Gentleman mean by "social class"?

Mr. Loughlin

Obviously it is a question of social class, but if the hon. and learned Gentleman wants a different word let us talk about social strata.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Will the hon. Gentleman explain what "social strata" means?

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