HC Deb 10 February 1978 vol 943 cc705-6W
Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the number of deaths in England and Wales where hypothermia is mentioned on the death certificate represents the sum total of deaths where hypothermia is a proximate cause of death; and, if not, what is his estimate of such total.

Mr. Ennals

In spite of investigations made into the suspicion that the number of (a) child benefit and (b) increase in retirement pension for a child dependant have been paid since child benefit was introduced and are proposed to be paid in the foreseeable future.

Mr. Deakins

The information, which takes account of the uprating of child benefit already announced for April 1978, is as follows:

of such deaths may he understated nothing has yet emerged, either in this country or elsewhere, to confirm that there is an understatement or to measure it, and consequently there is no information on which to modify the estimate of the number of these deaths.