HC Deb 05 May 1981 vol 4 cc4-5W
24. Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to improve the situation in neonatal and perinatal mortality of children born to parents in social classes IV and V, following the publication of the Black report.

Dr. Vaughan

In the last few years both perinatal and neonatal mortality rates have been falling very rapidly, particularly for social classes IV and V. The detailed figures are shown in the following table. Since the report on inequalities in health was published we have issued health circular (80)13 which urges health authorities to take steps to improve their services with the aim of achieving still further reductions in mortality rates.

regarding sales of cigarettes to children are effectively distributed to retail outlets and fixed to automatic vending machines.

Sir George Young

Yes. I am keeping in close touch with the arrangements which the industry is making for the distribution of these notices.