asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state in round figures, comparing the years 1938 and 1945–46, the effect of the war and food rationing on the health of the people of Aberdeen, with particular reference to the incidence of disease and to infantile and maternal mortality.

As the reply is long and involves a number of figures, I am sending a statement to my hon. and learned Friend.

is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether the figures show an upward or downward trend?

I can say that the figures prove that the position is fairly satisfactory.