20. Miss CAZALETasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking in areas where there has been a reduction of the amount spent on the maternity and child welfare services, in view of the fact that an additional amount of £5,000,000 was included in the general Exchequer contribution for each year in the first fixed grant period under the Local Government Act, 1929, to be used for the development of local services, including the development of the maternity and child welfare services?
Sir H. YOUNGIn any case in which there has been such a reduction the first step is to ascertain the reasons for and the effect of the reduction. If there is reason to fear a reduction in the efficiency of the services, I direct a local investigation and make the necessary representations to the local authority. The expenditure of the grant mentioned by my hon. Friend is within the discretion of the local authorities, but it is a condition of grant that they shall maintain a reasonable standard of efficiency and progress in the discharge of their public health functions. As my hon. Friend is aware, the policy of the Government is to secure a development of the maternity and child welfare services and steps have recently again been taken for the purpose. On other occasions opportunity has been taken to emphasise the claim of these services on the additional grant referred to.