HC Deb 28 January 1943 vol 386 cc614-5
56. Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the steps now taken to protect pregnant women engaged in employment in factories; and whether he is prepared to extend the present period in which employment is prohibited from one month after delivery to one of one month before and six weeks after delivery?

Mr. E. Brown

Medical supervision under the Factory Acts is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service: the prohibition of employment is a matter for legislation, and I have no authority to extend the period determined by Parliament. An extension of the prohibition could not, in my view, be suggested without examination of the financial provision to be made for the women in question, and, as my hon. Friend will be aware, recommendations on this point are contained in the Beveridge Report, which is receiving the consideration of the Government.

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these women continue to work in industry until they are unfit to do so because they are not eligible for National Health Insurance until the last few weeks of pregnancy?

Mr. Hogg

Can we assume that the Government will take active steps to deal with this important topic?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps my hon. Friend will exercise patience until these examinations are completed?

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Select Committee on National Expenditure has already made a recommendation on this matter?

Viscountess Astor

Will the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a thing that will not wait because it affects the health of women and children, which is as important as anything else at this stage of the war?

Mr. Brown

That point is brought out in paragraph 341 of the Select Committee's Report.

Viscountess Astor

What is the use of a paragraph?

Mr. Brown

Paragraphs often lead to action.