§ 28. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the great shortage, especially in reception areas, of nurses trained to deal with maternity cases, he will enrol a mobile squad of nurses who will be willing to go, when required, to areas where they are most needed?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe need for relating provision for maternity cases to movements of population has been recognised and the supply of midwives in reception areas has been increased both by transfer and by arrangements for recall to, practice. My information is that the deficiency is rather in the total number of midwives available than in maldistribution and I do not think, therefore, that the suggestion of a mobile squad would assist.
§ Mr. LipsonIn Cheltenham the shortage is particularly acute. What is the objection to adopting this obvious and valuable suggestion?
§ Mr. BrownI should not care to argue that now, but I shall be pleased to look at the particular case of Cheltenham if the hon. Member will give me the facts concerned.