§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will compare the difference in birth weights in areas of relative poverty and affluence; if he has any plans to assist those areas where babies are most at risk; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenInformation on birth weights is not clssified in the way the hon. Member describes, but 1982 data showing birth weight by regional and district health authority, and by social class, have been placed in the Library. 1983 information will become available as soon as possible.
The incidence of low birth weight is one of the factors we expect health authorities to take into account when deciding on the level and nature of maternity and neonatal provision locally.