§ 33. Captain ELLISTONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the necessity of special local study of the causal factors of the continuing maternal mortality; and what action he has taken or proposes to take in the matter?
Sir H. YOUNGYes, Sir. Such special study has been continuously in progress in the Ministry of Health. It was the main object of the special committee on maternal mortality appointed by one of my predecessors in 1928. I have myself recently carried the matter further as regards the local aspect by calling for special reports from the Medical Officers of Health in the areas where the incidence is or has been most marked. I have further arranged for thorough local investigation of the problem in those areas and, for purposes of comparison, in other areas, by officers of the Ministry carefully selected for the purpose. I have secured the services of an eminent obstetrician to advise on the reports of those officers. Where immediate specific steps are recommended, I bring the matter to the notice of the authority for action accordingly. When all the reports are available I propose to consider the position as a whole and to lay a White Paper on the subject before the House.
§ Sir F. FREMANTLEMay I ask when that White Paper may be expected—will it be in two or three months, and before the summer?
Sir H. YOUNGI am afraid I am not able to give a date, because it depends on the completion of intensive local investigations.
Countess of IVEAGHMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has taken into consideration the possibility of making compulsory a confidential notification of maternal deaths in all areas, as is now done in some areas?
Sir H. YOUNGCertainly, that point has been under consideration, but at present the purpose is effectively served by the voluntary information which I get in response to my appeal to the local authorities.