§ 39. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the lack of improvement in the maternal mortality rate, he will, with a view to creating a more efficient maternity service, consider the advisability of modifying the present maternity benefit in such a way as to provide medical and nursing services in addition to a cash payment and of linking up such services with maternity and child welfare work of local authorities?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)The question of the advisability of modifying the present arrangements for maternity benefit under the National Health Insurance Scheme in the direction indicated by the hon. Member was raised at a recent meeting of the Approved Societies Consultative Council and was referred by them to a special sub-committee. As soon as my right hon. Friend receives the Report of the Council on the subject it will have his most careful consideration.