HC Deb 28 September 1944 vol 403 cc406-7
34. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements have been made for the provision of accommodation for maternity cases in the town of Redditch; and whether he is aware of the strong feeling in the town at the absence of a maternity home.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)

I am informed that maternity cases from Redditch for whom institutional confinements are necessary on medical grounds are being accommodated in maternity hospitals and homes in other parts of the county and that conveyance by ambulance, with an attendant midwife has been arranged. I have received a letter from the urban district council as to the absence of provision in the urban district itself and I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of the reply which has been sent to them.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this system of sending people from Redditch to places 10 or 12 miles away is causing great hardship? Is he aware that a number of confinements have actually taken place in the ambulance and that there is considerable resentment in Redditch about it where thousands of people, war workers who have been brought into the town, are living in extremely unsatisfactory housing conditions?

Mr. Willink

I am sure my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not possible to provide a maternity hospital within 10 miles of every expectant mother. The situation has been difficult throughout the war and is particularly difficult now, owing to the fluid state of the population during the last few months.

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Is the Minister aware that this shortage of maternity accommodation obtains in every part of the country, and that the matter has been brought up time and time again in this House and no action has been taken?

Mr. Willink

It is not the case that no action has been taken. In spite of all war-time difficulties the number of maternity beds has increased by over 50 per cent. during the war. The difficulties are now obvious to everyone.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

While everyone will realise that it is not possible to provide maternity accommodation always within 10 miles, is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that we are dealing here with a town which has probably doubled its population during the war and in which the demand for such accommodation is extremely urgent?