§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Local Government Board whether there will be overlapping as between the existing county nursing associations and the district councils, under the Health Visitors Bill, in the provision of assistance and advice in maternity cases in the rural villages; and, if so, whether he will amend the above Bill to prevent such overlapping and to secure effective co-operation between them?
§ Mr. BURNSAs the hon. Member is aware, the adoption of the Notification of Births Act requires the consent of the Local Government Board. Before consenting to the adoption of the Act, it is the Board's practice to inquire as to the means available for utilising, to the advantage of the mothers and infants, the information as to births which would be received under its provisions. In some cases it has been found that no existing agencies are available, and that it is desirable that the local authority should be able themselves to appoint health visitors. I do not think there is any danger of serious overlapping.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked in how many counties county nursing associations exist, and how many of them work in conjunction with the local authorities in affording help and advice in maternity cases within their administrative areas?
§ Mr. BURNSThere are twenty county nursing associations affiliated to the Queen Victoria's Jubilee Institute for Nurses, and several other county nursing associations not so affiliated. Grants are in most of these cases made to the associations by the county councils or the education committees. The work of these voluntary associations is not under my control but I have no doubt they render efficient help 2197 to the local authorities in assisting to combat sickness and mortality.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTHas the right hon. Gentleman any official cognisance of these nursing associations apart from their work in conjunction with the county councils?
§ Mr. BURNSYes, we have; and I cannot assume that the provisions of the Health Visitors Bill will be otherwise than an assistance to these ladies in their work.