HC Deb 30 March 1944 vol 398 c1531
9. Mrs. Beatrice Wright

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the arrangements made for the care of expectant mothers in prisons; and whether the house mistress recently appointed to Holloway is qualified to deal with these cases.

Mr. H. Morrison

Special attention is paid to the health of expectant mothers in prison, and I am satisfied that they receive all necessary care and treatment both before and after their confinement. The purposes for which it has been decided to appoint a, House-mistress at Holloway Prison do not include such special care as a prisoner may need because she is an expectant mother. Such special care is provided by the medical and nursing staff, which includes three women doctors and a number of trained nurses and qualified midwives.

Mrs. Wright

Has my right hon. Friend made a recent investigation as to the care these women are having, and has he up-to-date information?

Mr. Morrison

I think so, and I am exceedingly anxious that, as far as it is practicable, they should have as good treatment as they would get from the local authority if they were not in prison.

Mr. Sorensen

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how many expectant mothers on the average are in Holloway each week?

Mr. Morrison

Not without notice.