§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to ensure that statistics relating to perinatal and infant mortality comply with the recommendations of the 9th edition of the World Health Authority's international Classification of Diseases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleThe cause of death classification recommended by the World Health Organisation in the 9th revision of the International Classification of678W Diseases will come into effect on 1st January 1979.
Statistics compiled by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys from information given at birth and death registration relating to infant and perinatal mortality comply with the WHO's recommendations as far as is possible within present legislation: my Department has requested area health authorities to transfer information on birth-weight to registrars to assist OPCS in complying with the recommendations to which my hon. Friend refers.
New regulations would be required if, after appropriate consultations, it was decided that any changes should be made in the information collected at the registration of birth or death, and more extensive changes would require amendment of the Birth and Death Registration Act.