§ 76. Mr. CLOUGHasked the Minister of Health what action is being taken by his Department to promote the establishment of maternity homes by municipal authorities?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Local Government Board and the Ministry of Health have for some time pressed upon local authorities, both in general circulars and in individual letters, the importance of the provision and maintenance of maternity homes, and have obtained Treasury sanction for a grant of half the approved expenditure on these purposes. A memorandum has just been issued and will be placed on sale, giving guidance as to suitable plans and equipment and so forth, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member. During the last year or so about 25 such homes were established by municipal authorities, and about 20 by voluntary bodies, who, as a rule, received financial assistance from local authorities. Many similar homes have been planned and are likely to be established in the near future.