§ 80. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the copy of the resolution unanimously recommended by the council of the British Medical Association, urging the appointment of a national maternity service; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to give effect to the suggestions contained in the resolution?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)I have received a copy of the memorandum referred to by the hon. Member, and I will give it my careful consideration. I cannot at present undertake to introduce legislation on this subject beyond that already promised for securing an organised service of salaried midwives.
§ 88. Mr. GALLACHERasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the maternity mortality rate has steadily risen over the last four years and of repeated medical assertions that 50 per cent. of such cases are avoidable, he proposes to take steps to increase the number of ante-natal and post-natal clinics in the country and any other steps that may ameliorate this state of affairs?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on this subject to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 12th December, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ 94. Mr. HEPWORTHasked the Minister of Health whether, in the Government Bill now being drafted to deal with maternal mortality, he will also make provision for measures to reduce ill-health after child-birth?
§ Sir K. WOODI would ask my hon. Friend to await the introduction of this Bill which, as already announced, will be mainly concerned with the provision of an organised service of salaried midwives.
§ Mr. E. SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Minister of Labour and the officials who deal with unemployment, with a view to carrying out these measures?