§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the dangerously high still-birth and neo-natal death rate in Scotland; and whether, in view of the fact that this high mortality and falling birth rate indicates need of an all-round improvement in medical nursing and the general economic conditions of expectant mothers and growing children, including a widespread extension of communal dinners, he can indicate the prospect of legislation to deal with the problem?
Mr. JohnstonStill-births are not increasing, but a slight rise in neo-natal deaths has occurred in 1941. It is too early to say whether the rise is temporary or not, but everything possible is being done by the Ministry of Food and the health authorities, central and local, to ensure that the nutritional needs of expectant mothers are met. Free and 1277W cheap milk schemes are in full operation, and communal feeding arrangements are being vigorously pursued.