§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research he has commissioned into the causes, epidemiology, and cure of cot deaths;
(2) what research he knows of and has commissioned in the United Kingdom on cot death syndrome.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWhile these deaths remain unexplained, the main focus of research has been on the epidemiology of cot deaths with the purpose of understanding the factors that are associated with these deaths. From these may come a better insight into the specific causes and the introduction of successful preventive strategies.
The Department commissioned a multi-centre study of postneonatal mortality which was carried out by Professor Knowelden of Sheffield university and completed in 1985. More recently, the Medical Research Council was commissioned to review existing research into sudden infant death and related matters. Its report has been submitted to the Department and is receiving careful consideration. A study in Avon into infant deaths has recently been completed and the findings are awaiting publication. Much research is also funded by other agencies, particularly the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths. The Department values greatly the work that they do, not only for research but also in support of bereaved parents.
The nationwide confidential inquiry into stillbirths and deaths in infancy that I announced on 2 July will in due 423W course provide an additional means of studying the circumstances surrounding the deaths of individual infants.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what study he has made of New Zealand research into cot deaths and of the methods used in New Zealand to reduce the incidence of cot death;
(2) what advice is issued by his Department on the way in which young babies should be laid to sleep to avoid cot death.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyAfter the first month of life, most deaths in infancy are cot deaths; they are sudden, unexpected and a tragedy to the bereaved family. They are still unexplained.
The Department is therefore particularly watchful of research into cot deaths, both in this country and abroad. Although the incidence and circumstances vary between countries and change over time, a number of factors have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cot death; for example, where someone in the family smokes or the mother is alone or very young. But in many instances such factors are absent. Studies of recent research findings, from New Zealand and elsewhere, including this country, suggest that the prone sleeping position is also a risk factor.
Because of the importance of any advice given, especially to parents and parents-to-be, the new findings require authoritative assessment. The Chief Medical Officer has asked a group of experts to examine the evidence and report within six weeks. He will then be in a position to make a statement containing whatever further practical advice is needed. If necessary, the existing advice in the Pregnancy Book, which all new mothers receive, will be amended.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the incidence of cot deaths each year since 1969.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe information that is available is set out in the table. Since 1971, OPCS has identified deaths in England and Wales where the term "sudden unexpected death in infancy", "cot death" or similar term was mentioned on the death certificate.
Following the introduction of this diagnostic category, there has been a change both in diagnostic and certification practice. It is believed that deaths which were attributed previously to respiratory disorders are now identified as cot deaths. This is consistent with the reduction over the same period in the number of deaths attributed to respiratory disorders. The reduction in the number of cot deaths over the last two years is particularly welcome.
424W
Number of infant deaths with any mention of sudden infant death on the death certificate for all ages. England and Wales 1971–19901 Number 1971 524 1972 798 1973 951 1974 965 1975 929 1976 907 1977 937 1978 995 1979 1,099 1980 1,260
Number 1981 1,304 1982 1,375 1983 1,358 1984 1,285 1985 1,338 1986 1,530 1987 1,574 1988 1,629 1989 1,410 1990 1,280 1Comparable data for earlier years are not available.