View report page

12
Births
The total of live births registered during the year was 2,899 (1,480 males; 1,419 females), giving
a live birth rate of 12.06 per 1,000 of population, equivalent to a standardized rate of 8.92. The 1968
total of live births was 3,180 (1,619 males; 1,561 females), and the live birth rate 13.03 which when
standardized was 9.64. The comparable figures for Greater London and England and Wales for 1969
were 15.7 and 16.3 and for 1968 16.4 and 16.9 respectively.
Illegitimate live births numbered 511 (254 males; 257 females), representing 17.63 per cent. of
the total live births, compared with 11.0 per cent. for Greater London, 15.4 per cent. for Inner
London, and 8.0 per cent. for England and Wales. The total illegitimate live births in 1968 was 531
(282 males and 249 females) which represented 16.69 of the total live births, compared with 11.5
per cent, for Greater London, 15.5 per cent. for Inner London and 8.4 per cent. for England and Wales.
Stillbirths totalled 39, representing a rate of 13.27 per 1,000 total live and stillbirths, compared
with 12.7 for Greater London and 13.0 for England and Wales. In 1968 there were 40 stillbirths,
which represented a rate of 12.42 per 1,000 total live and stillbirths, and the rate for Greater London
and England and Wales was 13.5 and 14.3 respectively.
Deaths
The total number of deaths shown in Table 1, page 66, includes persons who, though normally
resident in Westminster, died elsewhere in England and Wales but excludes persons who, though
they died in the City, were ordinarily resident in other parts of England and Wales. Deaths of persons
ordinarily resident outside the borders of England and Wales are included in the figures if they
occurred in the City, as also are those of members of H.M. Forces who were stationed in the area.
Deaths registered in 1969 numbered 2,998 equivalent to 12.47 per 1,000 which when standardized
by the comparability factor, gives a figure of 13.09. In 1968 there were 2,822 deaths (11.57 per
1,000) and the standardized rate was 12.15. The comparable rates for Greater London and for
England and Wales for 1969 were 11.5 and 11.9 and for 1968 11.6 and 11.9 respectively.
Accidental Deaths
During the year, 103 residents died from accidents of all kinds, including 31 motor vehicle
accidents. In 1968 the figures were 95 and 38 respectively.
Infant Mortality
Deaths of infants under one year totalled 65 (45 legitimate, 20 illegitimate) giving an infant
mortality rate of 22.42. There were 53 deaths under 4 weeks giving a neo-natal mortality rate of
18.28. The early neo-natal mortality rate (deaths under one week per 1,000 live births) was 16.56.
The perinatal mortality rate (still births and deaths under 1 week combined per 1,000 total live and
still births) was 29.61.
Comparative figures are as follows:—
Westminster Greater London England & Wales
1969 1968 1969 1968 1969 1968
Infant mortality 22.42 15.41 17.9 18.6 18.0 18.0
Neo-natal mortality 18.28 10.6 11.7 12.8 12.0 12.3
Early neo-natal mortality 16.56 9.75 10.2 11.4 10.0 10.5
Perinatal mortality 29.61 22.05 22.8 24.7 23.0 25.0
Details showing causes of death according to age group and sex are given in Table 2, page 67.
Maternal Mortality
Two maternal deaths were reported during the year giving a death rate of 0.68 per 1,000 total live
and stillbirths. There were no maternal deaths in Westminster during 1968.
Comparative figures Death rate
1969 1968
Westminster 0.68 Nil
Greater London 0.20* 0.21*
England and Wales 0.19 0.24
(•Excluding deaths due to abortion) (See also Page 40 and Table 3, Page 67)