25. Mr. Astorasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the existing facilities for evacuating expectant mothers from London; and what steps he intends to take to improve them.
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir. The demand fluctuates considerably and temporary difficulty has occurred occasionally in times of special pressure. But I could not accept the suggestion that the existing facilities are generally inadequate. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I will gladly look into the matter.
Mr. AstorIs not my right hon. and learned Friend aware that since the resumption of raids on London, a great number of expectant mothers are trying 1022 to evacuate to the country and there is no accommodation at present available for them? Medical officers in London are very worried about this subject. Cannot he do something about it?
§ Mr. WillinkObviously, a resumption of raids would cause an increase in the amount of this type of evacuation, but on 14th March a general notification was sent to the London boroughs stating that registration for evacuation would now be reopened. There was, however, a temporary difficulty in February.
Viscountess AstorIs it not true that in many towns, such as Plymouth, there are still mothers who would like to get into the country?
§ Mr. WillinkThere is, of course, difficulty, the main one being shortage of midwives.
§ 26 and 27. Dr. Edith Summerskillasked the Minister of Health (1) whether all the approved societies are in full agreement with Circular I.C.324 which prohibits the payment of benefit to expectant mothers in industry on grounds of advanced pregnancy;
(2) whether he will withdraw Circular I.C.324 and, by adjusting the National Health Insurance Reserve relating to women, give instructions that a pregnant woman in industry is eligible for benefit at least eight weeks before her confinement.
§ Mr. WillinkI have no reason to think that there is any general feeling amongst approved societies that the statement of the law as set out in Circular I.C.324 is incorrect. I have no power either by adjusting the National Health Insurance Reserve, as suggested by the hon. Member, or by any other administrtive action to alter the law in this matter; but should like to emphasise that where a doctor is satisfied that continuance at work would be prejudicial to the health of an expectant mother it is his duty to give a certificate of incapacity.
Dr. SurnmerskillIs it not a fact that the Chairman of the Association of Approved Societies has made representations to the right hon. and learned Gentleman's Department for years asking him to amend the existing Regulations?
§ Mr. WillinkI cannot answer that question.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill not the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider dealing with this problem of benefits for pregnant women apart from National Health Insurance, whose funds cannot stand this sort of benefit? Cannot he devise something in his new Bill based on the National Health Service?
§ Mr. WillinkNothing is closer to my heart than the improvement of our maternity services, and such questions as have been put are under close consideration in connection with the whole field of social insurance and the health services.