§ 17. Sir A. Knoxasked 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. KnoxDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the institution of these clinics would do a great deal to obviate distress in India?
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillIs 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?
§ Sir Stanley ReedIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these clinics have been working in Western India for the last 20 years?
§ Mr. SorensenCould the right hon. Gentleman explain what these mothers' clinics are for? Are they not for other purposes than merely giving relief and advice?