§ 42. Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Health what was the average perinatal mortality rate suffered by all new towns, excluding Cwmbran, in 1961 and 1962; what was the perinatal mortality rate in 1961 and 1962 of Cwmbran; whether he is aware of the concern of hospital staffs and the public with the existing and projected maternity services provided for Cwmbran; what action he is taking to remedy the failures that led to an underestimate of the obstetric needs of this area within the 10-year plan; and, in view of the fact that the existing plan does not provide by 1975 for Cwmbran to have sufficient obstetric beds to reach the standards recommended in tie Cranbrooke Report, he will increase and bring forward the number of beds intended to be provided in the Newport and East Monmouthshire area.
§ Mr. BraineThe rates for new towns are not avail dole prior to 1962; in that year the rate for Cwmbran was 47 per 1,000 total births and for 11 other new 143W towns it was 30; my right hon. Friend is aware of the concern regarding the maternity services in the area; the proposals for this area in the Hospital Plan include 84 new obstetric beds and were based on the requirements recommended by the Cranbrook Committee.