HC Deb 10 May 1976 vol 911 cc73-5W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many cot deaths there have been in Great Britain in each of the last five years;

(2) if there are any significant geographical differences in the incidence of cot deaths in Great Britain;

(3) what are the ages at which babies are at greatest risk from cot deaths;

(4) what is the percentage of cot deaths of all post neo-natal deaths in Great Britain;

(5) in what proportion of cot deaths in each of the last five years there were any symptoms of illness.

Dr. Owen

The numbers of recorded cot deaths—that is, where there is mention of cot death, sudden infant death or similar term on the death certificate —in Great Britain were:

1971 … … … 512
1972 … … … 819
1973 … … … 991
1974 … … … 993
1975 … … … not available

The classification of cot deaths is, however, undefined. The rise in numbers may be no more than an indication of the growing awareness, among those responsible for certifying causes of death, of the need to identify this syndrome. Studies suggest that recorded cot deaths even now represent no more than half the true incidence.

There are considerable regional differences in numbers of recorded cot deaths, but it seems clear that these variations, too, result from differing practices among certifiers and cannot be regarded as a true reflection of regional incidence. There are indications, however, that the true incidence varies with latitude, increasing from south to north.

Over 70 per cent. of recorded cot deaths occur at one to four months of age with the greatest risk at about two months.

Of deaths in the post neo-natal period —from one to 12 months of age—in the four successive years 1971 to 1974, recorded cot deaths formed 9 per cent., 16 per cent., 21 per cent. and 24 per cent. respectively.

In 1971, 44 per cent. of certificates including a reference to cot death also mentioned another condition. This percentage was 36 in 1972, 32 in 1973 and 30 in 1974.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list the major physical and environmental factors which contribute to cot deaths;

(2) if the proportion of disabled children is greater than that of the average who suffer cot deaths;

(3) if he will list the surveys being undertaken into post neo-natal deaths which are being supported by his Department;

(4) what steps he is taking to attempt to identify children at risk from cot deaths;

(5) how much money his Department devotes directly to research into cot deaths.

Dr. Owen

No precise cause for cot deaths, or the sudden infant death syndrome, has been isolated, but epidemiological studies have suggested that sudden deaths are due to an interaction of several factors, including low birthweight, low socio-economic status, underlying respiratory conditions and bottle feeding. I regret that information about the proportion of disabled children suffering cot deaths is not available as there is no measure centrally of the total numbers of disabled children.

I am concerned about the incidents of cot deaths and the need for more information and we are currently sponsoring two projects of research into the causes of post perinatal deaths, including cot deaths, with the aim of identifying the groups of children most at risk of death and the avoidable medical and social factors. The details are:

  1. (a) a three-year programme at Sheffield University to study in detail the circumstances leading to unexpected deaths in children under age two years—total cost £14,500.
  2. (b) a 3–5 year study in five areas in England and Wales aimed at identifying those groups of children aged from one week to two years most at risk of post perinatal death—total cost about £250,000.

In December 1975 the Children's Research Liaison Group of the Department set up a working group to study all available research data on infant and perinatal mortality and morbidity and to advise on future research priorities in this sphere.