§ 39. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether, in the interests of mothers and of control of children, as a war-time measure, he will agree to the provision by local authorities of home helps in special cases where mothers with families have been deprived of, and are unable to obtain, domestic help due to the requirements of the Ministry of Labour?
§ Mr. E. BrownHome helps are provided by local authorities under powers which authorise them to make arrangements for the care of expectant and nursing mothers and of young children. In view of the urgency of meeting the needs of women unable to make satisfactory arrangements of their own at the time of their confinement, I have in a recent Circular particularly directed the attention of authorities to the assistance which might be given to meet these cases.
§ Mr. AdamsThe Minister has not answered the Question on the Paper as to whether he can render some assistance in 1069 the matter of home helps to the overworked mothers of families who, due to domestic cares, are unable to attend to their children, which is creating large numbers of hooligans.
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member will see that I have answered his Question by implication. It is quite clear that preference must be given to expectant and nursing mothers and those with growing children. Some local authorities have been so successful with their schemes of home helps that they are extending their availability and making the best use they can of them.