§ 71. Sir Robert Youngasked the Minister of Health the number of salaried midwives appointed since 1st August, 1937; what is their distribution throughout the counties of England; and whether there has been any difficulty in getting the requisite number required in any part of the country?
§ Mr. BernaysThe number of salaried midwives included in the proposals of local authorities under the Midwives Act, 1936, is approximately 7,550, and I am sending the hon. Member particulars of the geographical distribution of this number. I think it is safe to assume that a large majority of the midwives have already been appointed. Returns showing the exact numbers appointed by the end of this year will be available in February next. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend is not aware that any serious difficulty has been experienced in any part of the country in securing the requisite number of midwives.