§ 74. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will make a further effort during the present Session to get a practically agreed measure in regard to the proposed Ministry of Health; and whether he will make representations in order that the House may have an early opportunity of discussing maternity and child welfare, the possible life-saving, and the co-ordination of the health services?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)I should welcome any steps which can be taken to secure agreement on the public health policy of the future and the administrative machinery to control it. In the meantime, I am anxious that the development of the Infant Welfare work of local authorities should not be hindered for the lack of powers possessed by local authorities in Scotland and Ireland. In answer to the last part of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on Friday last.
§ Mr. ANDERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister and the War Cabinet that we ought to have an opportunity of discussing this vital matter, in view of the fact that over 1,000 children are being needlessly slain every week?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERI have already put forward a request, that I may be allowed to introduce a Bill giving the local authorities in England and Wales the same powers that the Scottish local authorities have in matters relating to maternity and infant welfare.