§ 87. Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there is much uncertainty among county authorities as to the powers of a county authority in connection with maternity and child welfare when the local sanitary authority is responsible for the administration of the 1854 Notification of Births Act; whether he will cause a statement to be issued which will make the position clear; and whether he will also give an official interpretation of concurrent powers mentioned in page 3 of Circular M. and C.W. 4, of 1918, issued by his Department?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I would point out that the exercise of powers by local authorities under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act is subject to the sanction of my Department, which is consequently in a position to delimit the functions of any authorities with concurrent powers. As at present advised, therefore, my right lion. Friend does not think it necessary to issue an explanatory statement on the subject, but if the hon. Member will furnish particulars of any case in which difficulty has arisen my right hon. Friend will be pleased to consider them.