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very favourably with the figure of 14.2 returned for England and
Wales.
Early Neo-Natal Mortality.—Nine neo-natal deaths Which
occurred within the first week of birth gave an early neo-natal
mortality rate of 6.46 per 1,000 live births, the causes being: —
Prematurity 4 Haemolytic Disease 1
Birth Injury 1 Respiratory Distress 1
Breech Delivery 1 Cord round neck 1
Perinatal Mortality—The Perinatal Mortality Rate, calculated
from a total of 26 still births and deaths of infants under 1 week,
was 18.45 per 1.000 total births compared with 35.76 for the
previous year. The equivalent rate for England and Wales is
29.3.
Reproductive Wastage.—A sum total of 37 Stillbirths and
Infantile deaths gives a reproductive wastage rate of 26.26 per
1,000 total births, a decrease of 22.64 from the 1962 figure.
REMARKS ON VARIOUS DEATH CAUSES
Recognising the importance of ensuring as far as possible the
uniformity and comparability of statistics in relation to diseases
and causes of death, the Registrar-General has, from 1st January,
1950, implemented the Nomenclature Regulations, 1948, as
suggested by the World Health Organisation. Although these regulations
are not binding on Medical Officers of Health, it is essential
that the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Injuries
and Causes of Death, 1955, should be adopted in order that local
statistics can be compared with national figures and national with
international.
Classification of Deaths.—It should be borne in mind that
the statistical data compiled locally relating to cause of death may
not entirely agree with the figures furnished to Local Authorities
by the Registrar-General. Classification of the cause of death is
taken from one or more causes as stated on the medical certificate
in accordance with the rules generally adopted throughout England
and Wales.
The Registrar-General is able, in cases where it is deemed
desirable, to obtain fuller information from the certifying practitioner.
This enables his department to modify the original classification—hence
the possibilities of discrepancies in some cases
between the figures prepared locally and those referred by the
Registrar-General.
Common Infectious Diseases.—Under this classification
comprising Measles, Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough