§ 52. Mr. W. ROBERTSasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to figures and graphs showing the reduction of maternal mortality in the Rhondda Valley as the result of the provision of additional meals as well as milk to expectant mothers; and whether he will supply these figures and graphs For the information of Members?
§ Sir K. WOODI have requested the medical officers of my Department who are investigating the problem of maternal mortality to pay careful attention to the information regarding Rhondda referred to by the hon. Member. I have no doubt that they will deal with it in their report which I hope to receive from them when they have completed the extensive inquiry they are now making. The report, which will be presented to Parliament as soon as it is received, will, I think, be the best way of bringing to the notice of hon. Members the facts in this and other cases and the conclusions to be drawn from them.
§ Mr. ROBERTSCan the Minister say when he expects to receive the report?
§ Sir K. WOODIt will be rather a long inquiry, but I should think it ought to be completed later on in the year.
§ Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLEWill it be possible to publish the report before we discuss the Maternity Bill that is to be introduced?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ROBERTSDoes not the Minister think that these matters are of sufficient importance as to give the House an opportunity of judging for themselves by publishing these matters separately and in advance of the report?
§ Sir K. WOODI should hesitate to bring forward only one case. I am anxious for the House to be appraised of the whole of the facts concerning every case.