§ 25. Mr. RiddickTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to reduce infant mortality rates and perinatal mortality rates. [31719]
§ Mr. HoramThe infant mortality rate in 1995 was 6.1 per 1,000 live births, the lowest ever. The perinatal mortality rate in 1994, the latest figure available, was 8.9 per 1,000 live births —again, the lowest ever.
The confidential inquiry into stillbirths and deaths in infancy aims to improve our understanding of factors which contribute to infant deaths and in particular ways in which the risks of death might be diminished. The next report will be published shortly.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of how the health of babies and very young children has changed since 1979. [32106]
§ Mr. HoramThe health of babies and young children has improved, as is demonstrated by the fall in infant and perinatal mortality rates. Deaths in children under one year of age —the infant mortality rate —fell by over half to 6.1 per 1,000 live births between 1979 and 1995. Stillbirths and deaths of babies less than a week old —the perinatal mortality rate —fell by nearly 40 per cent. to 8.9 per 1,000 live births between 1979 and 1994, the latest figure available.