HC Deb 30 May 1911 vol 26 cc892-3
Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked if under the National Insurance Bill a woman entitled to maternity benefit will have entirely free choice as to whether she will employ a doctor or a midwife; and if in the event of her employing a midwife who finds it necessary to call in a doctor the doctor's fee will be assured.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

There is nothing in the Bill which necessarily involves any restriction upon a woman's choice in this respect. The expenditure of the money payable by way of maternity benefit will, in accordance with Clause 16 (2) be subject to regulations for which the Insurance Commissioners will be responsible.