HC Deb 01 August 1980 vol 989 cc885-6W
Mrs René eShort

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence exists that the mortality rate increases when unemployment rises; what studies are being conducted into a possible link between unemployment and increases in illness and the mortality rate; where these studies have been carried out; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

I have seen no research which provides conclusive evidence that the mortality rate increases when unemployment rises. There has been some work by Professor Brenner, much of it on United States data, to suggest that in the past a rise in unemployment may have been associated with a slowing in the long-term downward trend in mortality. These results need further testing.

My Department is conducting a cohort study of the unemployed including questions on the effects of unemployment on health. We are also aware of a number of studies being undertaken by external researchers and I shall certainly consider their reports carefully when available.

Mrs. René e Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the death rate per thousand population in England and Wales for each year since 1920.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

The figures are as follows:

DEATH RATES PER 1,000 POPULATION FOR ALL CAUSES OF DEATH IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Year Death rate Year Death rate
1920* 12.4 1950 11.6
1921 12.1 1951 12.5
1922 12.7 1952 11.3
1923 11.6 1953 11.4
1924 12.2 1954 11.3
1925 12.1 1955 11.7
1926 11.6 1956 11.7
1927 12.3 1957 11.5
1928 11.7 1958 11.7
1929 13.4 1959 11.6
1930 11.4 1960 11.5
1931 12.3 1961 11.9
1932 12.0 1962 12.0
1933 12.3 1963 12.2
1934 11.8 1964 11.3
1935 11.7 1965 11.6
1936 12.1 1966 11.8
1937 12.4 1967 11.3
1938 11.6 1968 11.9
1939* 12.1 1969 11.9
1940* 14.4 1970 11.8
1941* 13.5 1971 11.6
1942* 12.3 1972 12.1
1943* 13.0 1073 12.0
1944* 12.7 1974 11.9
1945* 12.6 1975 11.9
1946* 12.0 1976 12.2
1947* 12.3 1977 11.7
1948* 11.0 1978 11.9
1949* 11.8 1979 12.1†
* For 1920 and from 3 September 1939 to 31 December 1949 for males, and from 1 June 1941 to 31 December 1949 for females, the death rates are based upon civilian populations only, but (as in other years), the number of deaths include those of non-civilians registered in England and Wales.
† Provisional.