§ 28. Colonel CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the suggestion made at the annual meeting of the Carlisle and District Nursing Association, to which his attention has been drawn, that inquests should be held on every maternal death in order to draw public attention to the many avoidable causes of these fatalities; and whether he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)This suggestion was considered by the Departmental Committee on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity, who did not advocate its adoption (Final Report., pages 26–27). The committee advised that local authorities should be urged to continue the arrangements by 178 which Medical Officers of Health make inquiries into maternal deaths and furnish confidential reports to the Chief Medical Officer of my Department. My right hon. Friend has taken action accordingly.