HC Deb 13 February 1979 vol 962 cc517-33W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide in tabular form the perinatal mortality for Kirklees, Yorkshire, and England in each year of 1975, 1976, 1977, and the latest available date in 1978, and also show in the table the number of immigrant children in Kirklees, Yorkshire, and England, who died either as a result of a stillbirth or within one week of being born, showing in the table the numbers requested for every 1,000 still and live births in the areas mentioned.

Sir George Young

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for the North-West regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 (a) the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population, and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, (b) the stillbirth rate, the peri- natal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms., (c) the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, (d) the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, (e) the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age and the estimated percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, (f) the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, (g) the numbers of births in each socio-economic class, and to unsupported mothers, (h) the number of births which were first pregnancies, second pregnancies, third pregnancies, fourth pregnancies and fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity (i) the numbers of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, (j) the incidence of congenital malformations, and (k) the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. George

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for the West Midlands regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 (a) the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socioeconomic classes I, II, III, IV and V and unsupported mothers, (b) the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 grams, (c) the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 grams for the whole population and for socioeconomic groups I, II, III, IV and V and unsupported mothers, respectively, (d) the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, (e) the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age; and if he will estimate the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, (f) the number of births in each socio-economic class, and to unsupported mothers, (g) the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35 plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, and (h) the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction.

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for the North-West regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 (a) the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, (b) the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms., (c) the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, (d) the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, (e) the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age, estimating the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, (f) the incidence of congential rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, (g) the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, (h) the number of births which were first pregnancies, second pregnancies, third pregnancies, fourth pregnancies and fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, (i) the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16, 16 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, (i) the incidence of congenital malformations and (k) the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mrs. Hayman asked

the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for the North-West Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 (a) the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, (b) the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms., (c) the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, (d) the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, (e) the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age, estimating the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, (f) the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, (g) the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, (h) the number of births which were first pregnancies, second pregnancies, third pregnancies, fourth pregnancies and fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, (i) the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, (I) the incidence of congenital malformations and (k) the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for the North-West Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 (a) the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socioeconomic classes, I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, (b) the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms., (c) the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, (d) the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, (e) the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age, estimating the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, (f) the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, (g) the number of births each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, (h) the number of births which were first pregnancies, second pregnancies, third pregnancies, fourth pregnancies and fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, (i) the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35 years plus and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, (j) the incidence of congenital malformations and (k) the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the incidence of cerebral palsy;

(2) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the incidence of congenital malformations;

(3) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band;

(4) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity;

(5) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers;

(6) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available:

(7) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the number of inoculations against rubella given, to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age; and if he will estimate the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years;

(8) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction;

(9) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socioeconomic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively;

(10) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies weighing less than 2,500 gms;

(11) if he will list for England, for the North-Western regional health authority and for each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977 the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for Staffordshire regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age and his estimate of the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, the incidence of congenital malformations and the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. Mike Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for the Northern regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms., the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age; and if he will estimate the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnan- cies, (d) fourth pregnancies, and (e) fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, the num ber of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years. 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years and 35 years plus and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, the incidence of congenital malformations and the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socioeconomic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups, I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age, estimating the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, the incidence of congenital malformations and the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. Gould

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes, I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms, the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, the prevalence, respectively, of ceasarian section and induction, the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age, estimating the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, the incidence of congenital malformations and the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for the West Midlands regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, the still birth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respec- tively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age, estimating the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, the number of births in each soda-economic class and to unsupported mothers, the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, the incidence of congenital malformations and the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for the South-Western regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms., the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socioeconomic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction, the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age and his estimate of the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, the incidence of congenital malformations and the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will publish in the Official Report the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms.; and if he will subdivide these statistics in regional health authorities for each of the last three years for which figures are available;

(2) if he will publish in the Official Report the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. (a) for the whole population and (b) for socio-economic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, in each of the last three years for which figures are available;

(3) if he will publish the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years and 35 years plus and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band in each of the last three years for which figures are available;

(4) if he will publish in the Official Report the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity over each of the last three years for which figures are available;

(5) if he will publish the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers for each of the last three years for which figures are available;

(6) what has been the incidence of congenital rubella in 1976 and 1977 to the, latest date for which figures are available;

(7) what is the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age; and if he will estimate the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years in each of the last three years;

(8) if he will publish in the Official Report the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction; and if he will give these figures per regional health authority in each of the last three years;

(9) if he will list the incidence of congenital malformation in each of the last three years for which figures are available;

(10) if he will list the incidence of cerebral palsy for each of the last three years for which figures are available;

(11) whether he will publish in the Official Report the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post neo-natal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for (a) the whole population and (b) socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, for each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the incidence of cerebral palsy at birth;

(2) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the incidence of congenital malformations at birth;

(3) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years and 35-piers years, and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band;

(4) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the number of births in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers;

(5) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies, and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity;

(6) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities, the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available

(7) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age; and if he will estimate the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years;

(8) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the prevalence, respectively, of caesarian section and induction;

(9) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups, I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively;

(10) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms.;

(11) if he will list, for the South-East Thames regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV and V, and unsupported mothers.

Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for the South-Western regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities in 1977, the stillbirth rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, the stllbrth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, post-neonatal mortality rate and infant mortality rate for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms, the proportion of babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms for the whole population and for socioeconomic groups I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively, the prevalence, respectively of caesarian section and induction, the number of inoculations against rubella given to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age and if he will estimate the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years, the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available, the number of births in each socioeconomic class and to unsupported mothers, the number of births which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity, the number of births to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35-plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band, the incidence of congenital malformations and the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and in 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available;

(2) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the number of inoculations against rubella given in 1977 to, respectively, schoolgirls and adult women of childbearing age; and if he will estimate the percentage of girls inoculated by the age of 15 years;

(3) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the prevalence in 1977, respectively, of caesarian section and induction;

(4) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the proportion of babies born in 1977 weighing less than 2,500 gms. for the whole population and for socio-economic groups 1, 11, III, IV. V and unsupported mothers, respectively;

(5) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the number of births in 1977 which were (a) first pregnancies, (b) second pregnancies, (c) third pregnancies, (d) fourth pregnancies and (e) fifth or later pregnancies and the perinatal mortality rates for each parity;

(6) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the number of births in 1977 in each socio-economic class and to unsupported mothers, respectively;

(7) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the number of births in 1977 to mothers aged, respectively, under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 35 plus years and the perinatal mortality rates in each age band;

(8) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the incidence in 1977 of congenital malformations;

(9) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the incidence in 1977 of cerebral palsy;

(10) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the 1977 rate of stillbirth, perinatal mortality, neonatal mortality, post-neonatal mortality and infant mortality for the whole population and for socio-economic classes I, II, III, IV, V and unsupported mothers, respectively;

(11) if he will list for the Wessex regional health authority and each of its constituent area health authorities the 1977 rate of stillbirth, perinatal mortality, neonatal mortality, post-neonatal mortality and infant mortality for babies born weighing less than 2,500 gms.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the incidence of congenital malformation among babies born in 1977; and what was the incidence of cerebral palsy:

(2) how many inoculations against rubella were given to schoolgirls and adult women of child-bearing age during 1977; and what was the incidence of congenital rubella in 1977 and 1978 to the latest date for which figures are available;

(3) what was the prevalence of caesarian section and of induced births in England and Wales in 1977.

Mr. Moyle

, pursuant to his replies [Official Report, 17 November 1978; Vol.958, c. 400–8; 20 November 1978; Vol. 958, c. 506–8; 23 November 1978; Vol.958, c. 699–701; 27 November 1978; Vol.959, c. 52–3; 28 November 1978; Vol.959, c. 162–4; 29 November 1978; Vol.959, c. 269–70; and 15 January 1979; Vol. 960, c. 615], gave the following information:

The information is published today in the form of an OPCS monitor. I am sending the hon. Members a copy and a copy has been placed in the Library. The monitor contains the full range of available statistics relating to the questions. The information which is not available and where alternative relevant statistics have been substituted is as follows: Mortality rates for still births, and for perinatal, neo-natal, post neo-natal and infant deaths for the whole population and for socioeconomic classes are included. However, the information for unsupported mothers is not available but figures for illegitimate births have been used as the nearest substitute. Babies born weighing 2,500 gms or less: Information is not available by birth weight on post neo-natal and infant deaths, nor for socioeconomic group and unsupported mothers. Caesarian section and induction: Information is not available for area health authorities. Rubella vaccinations: The only available information is the number of vaccinations to girls aged 11, 12 and 13; estimates of the percentage of girls vaccinated in each health authority are not available. No information is available on the number of vaccinations given to adult women. Births: The information for unsupported mothers is not available but figures for illegitimate births have been included. Information by pregnancy is not available; data on parity for legitimate births only have been substituted. Cerebral palsy: No reliable estimates can be made. Information is only available from the hospital in-patient inquiry which is based on a one-in-10 sample of NHS non-psychiatric hospital discharges and deaths. The number of these cases in the sample for England and Wales for 1976—the latest available year—was only eight at age under one year, and is therefore subject to a high degree of sampling error. The number could also be misleading because cases in this age category are normally ascribed to birth injury. Congenital rubella: The congenital malformations induced by rubella concern mainly the heart, eyes and internal ears. These defects are not easily detected at birth or in the first seven days after birth, which is the period to which notification of congenital malformations to OPCs is confined in order to obtain data quickly for surveillance for early warning.