asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the maternal mortality rate in Ceylon for the latest year for which figures are available; and how many deaths were involved?

Mr. M. MacDONALD:

The maternal mortality rate in Ceylon for 1933 was 18.6 per 1,000. The number of maternal deaths involved was 3,852.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this constitutes the highest maternal mortality figure of any civilised country in the world, and can he say what steps the Government are taking to deal with the matter?

Mr. MacDONALD:

The figures represent a considerable decrease on what they have been, and in recent years there has been a steady improvement. The Government are taking various steps to meet the situation. Perhaps I could let the hon. Gentleman have a list of the steps which are being taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the 18 per 1,000 births compares very badly with the 4 per 1,000 births in this country, and that there is a very real room for improvement?

Mr. MacDONALD:

The fact that there has been a steady improvement in recent years shows that we are aware of the problem and that we are doing everything we can to solve it.