§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his reply of 18 October to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Provan,Official Report, column 172, what account is taken in shaping health policies and measures for Scotland of infant mortality and its causes.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythAccount is taken of information, advice and recommendations in relation to infant mortality from a variety of sources. Perinatal and infant deaths in Scotland are the subject of continuous epidemiological audit. In addition, cognisance is taken of reports from advisory bodies and from professional colleges and associations. Research studies into specific causes of infant death are also undertaken. In the decade 1978 to 1987 the infant mortality rate in Scotland declined from 12.9 to 8.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.