HC Deb 21 October 1943 vol 392 cc1487-8
17. Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for India whether with a view to the relief of distress among the poorer classes in India, the policy of establishing mothers' clinics on the lines of those in Britain has been considered?

The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that as a general proposition this is a matter for the respective Provincial Governments. I understand that in the present emergency special relief measures are being taken for the assistance of mothers and children, but I doubt if it would be possible to find trained staff for a general system of mothers' clinics throughout India.

Sir A. Knox

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the institution of these clinics would do a great deal to obviate distress in India?

Mr. Amery

If they could be instituted.

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Is it not a fact that the infantile and maternal mortality in India is one of the highest in the world? Why do the Government shelve their responsibility in this way?

Mr. Amery

Actually the responsibility has been for many years that of the Provincial Governments.

Sir Stanley Reed

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these clinics have been working in Western India for the last 20 years?

Mr. Sorensen

Could the right hon. Gentleman explain what these mothers' clinics are for? Are they not for other purposes than merely giving relief and advice?

Mr. Amery

I am afraid I could not explain in detail.

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