§ 57. Dr. Summerskillasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that expectant mothers who desire to enter a county hospital are required to submit to the old Poor Law procedure in those counties which have not appropriated the hospitals under the 1929 Local Government Act; and whether, as this is proving a deterrent to women who desire to enter a hospital for their confinement, he will take steps to get these county authorities to waive the regulations in these particular cases?
§ Mr. ElliotIt is the constant policy of my Department to secure appropriation wherever possible, and if the hon. Member has in mind any particular cases of difficulty such as are referred to in the latter part of her question I shall be happy to look into them on being furnished with details. In general, I should consider the waiving of the regulations as a less satisfactory solution than the appropriation of the hospitals.
§ Dr. SummerskillCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me how many counties have not appropriated their hospitals?
§ Mr. ElliotNot without notice.