HC Deb 07 July 1938 vol 338 c585
67. Mr. Graham White

asked the Minister of Health how many women medical officers are available in the northwestern divisional area when women members of approved societies are obliged to submit themselves under the rules of their societies?

Mr. Elliot

There is one woman medical officer available in the north-western divisional area for the examination of cases.

Mr. White

Having regard to the fact that on one recent occasion it was impossible to secure the attendance of a woman medical officer, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter and see whether it is possible to increase the staff to carry out these duties?

Mrs. Tate

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the removal of the marriage bar on medical women would help?

Viscountess Astor

As long as women in the medical profession when they are married have to give up their posts, will you not always have this difficulty?

Mr. Elliot

There were, in fact, only six demands from the north-west area to see a woman medical inspector.

Viscountess Astor

As long as women have to get out of the medical profession when they are married you are not going to get a sufficiency of women doctors for this purpose.