HC Deb 16 February 1926 vol 191 cc1704-5
31. Mr. N. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the amount of grant paid to English maternity institutions; whether any similar grant is paid to similar institutions in Scotland; and, if not, whether, in view of the new Regulations which come into force in Scotland on 1st May, 1926, increasing the cost and extending the period of maternity nurses, he will make representations to the Treasury for a proportionate grant to be made to Scottish maternity institutions?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Minister of Health. As regards the second part, under the maternity service and child welfare schemes in Scotland, no payments of grant are made directly to maternity institutions, but where a local authority has made approved arrangements with a voluntary institution or itself provides an institution, the approved cost rates against the maternity and child welfare grant. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer of yesterday to the question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith. As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, the whole question of the finances of voluntary hospitals in Scotland has been the subject of a remit to a special Committee whose Report I have just received.

Mr. MACLEAN

Why, when I put a question to the Secretary of State for Scotland asking for a statement that will enable a comparison to be made, am I referred for a reply to part of my question to the Minister of Health for England? Could not the information have been obtained by the Secretary of State for Scotland, and a straight answer given so that we could compare the grants given in Scotland with those for similar institutions in England?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The obvious answer is that my Department has not this information at its disposal. It is much better that hon. Members, if they desire this information, should question the Department themselves.

Mr. MACLEAN

The latter part of the question is bound up with the former. Surely courtesy to Scottish Members would have given the Secretary of State for Scotland the right to approach the Ministry of Health for England and ask for these figures.

Mr. MAXTON

Is it not the fact that the regulation of 1st May increasing the cost and extending the period of training for maternity has added considerably to the expense of institutions which undertake that work, and that no money is coming from national or local sources to meet that additional burden which has been imposed on them?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Quite obviously, cannot answer a question about a specific order unless after notice.

Mr. MACLEAN

That is the question that is here.

Mr. SPEAKER

The question has been misunderstood.

Mr. MAXTON

By the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. SPEAKER

Perhaps it can be repeated in a form which will bring out the facts.