asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about neonatal deaths in Wolverhampton; if he is satisfied with the position; and, what action he is taking to reduce the neonatal death rate.

I have received no representations, but the Wolverhampton Area and West Midlands Regional Health Authorities and I are concerned that the rate, although showing a recent improvement, is higher than the national rate. The Wolverhampton Area Health Authority is encouraging mothers to attend ante-natal clinics, promotiong relevant aspects of preventive medicine and reviewing the present range of clinical services in order to achieve further improvements.