§ Mr. CROOKSasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can obtain for the information of the House the number of maternity orders giving the right to free attendance by a medical man from the various hospitals maintained by voluntary contributions in London?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)I understand that in the year 1909, 5,134 confinements occurred in London in lying-in hospitals, and 24,873 in connection with 362 free hospital maternity charities at home. Total, 30,007. Assuming one birth to a confinement, this implies that about 25.4 per cent, of the total births in London were gratuitously attended in connection with these charities.
§ Mr. CROOKSasked if the right hon. Gentleman will state the number of maternity orders issued by the several boards of guardians, one in London, two in the provinces, three in Wales, differentiating between institution and home attendance of the medical officer?
§ Mr. BURNSAccording to the latest returns, 3,125 cases were admitted to maternity wards of London workhouses and infirmaries during the year 1910. The number of midwifery orders given to district medical officers was 1,265, and to midwifery nurses appointed by guardians 329. I am not able to give corresponding figures for the rest of the country.