§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish figures showing the latest trends in birth by social class in England and Wales.
§ Mrs. CastleThe first results of an analysis of legitimate live births in England and Wales according to the husband's occupation—as recorded on the birth certificate—are published today in the Registrar General's Quarterly Return for England and Wales.
While the overall number of legitimate live births fell between 1970 and 1972 by 8 per cent., the decline was 16 per cent. for couples where the husband was in Social Classes IV and V—partly skilled and unskilled occupations— and 9 per cent., for husbands in Social Class III—skilled occupations. There was a slight increase in annual birth for husbands in Social Classes I and II—professional and intermediate occupations.
The quarterly return makes four reservations about the interpretation of the
£ million 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 Ships and boats* … … … 74 84 67 61 65 114 124 Marine engines* … … … 17 19 20 21 21 21 20 Ship-repairing† … … … — — — — 12 17 23 * Excludes exports by the two industries of goods other than ships and marine engines. † These figures include an element of improvement and capital investment. Statistics prior to 1971 were not recorded.