HC Deb 13 February 1947 vol 433 cc501-2
7. Mr. King

asked the Minister of Health whether housing authorities have power to allocate living accommodation to midwives on new housing estates; whether he is aware that the shortage of midwives and district nurses in Cornwall is being aggravated by lack of accommodation; and whether he will encourage local authorities to give them some degree of priority.

Mr. Bevan

Yes, Sir, I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular dated 8th May which was sent to local authorities on this subject.

Mr. Beechman

Will the Minister make arrangements for a greater use of local builders and local materials, especially in remote rural areas, where the services of district nurses and midwives are so badly needed?

Mr. Bevan

I can hardly see the relevance of that observation to the Question on the Paper. We are making provision which will result in more accommodation for midwives and, where it is possible to use local materials, they are being used, but it is always a slower rate of building.

Mr. King

Is the Minister aware that provision for midwives is a service which may reasonably be described as vital?

Mr. Bevan

Yes, Sir.