HC Deb 02 August 1951 vol 491 cc1606-8
28. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Health how many domiciliary confinements were attended by midwives in the public service in Monmouthshire during the year ended 31st December, 1950 and in how many of these confinements was gas and air administered.

Mr. Marquand

The numbers are, respectively, 2,362 and 1,516.

Mrs. Mann

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these figures reveal that there were 846 mothers who did not receive gas and air treatment, although every midwife in Monmouthshire has the equipment? Can he say why they received no gas and air treatment?

Mr. Marquand

No, Sir.

Mrs. Mann

Before foisting upon the public this useless, out-moded and expensive analgesia, will my right hon. Friend ascertain why the women are not taking advantage of it?

Mr. Marquand

I will make what inquiries I can, but it is rather difficult to find out exactly what happened in cases which I hope, are now happily delivered.

29. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Health the number of domiciliary confinements in Monmouthshire during the year ended 31st December, 1950, at which a doctor was present; and the number which were carried out by midwives only.

Mr. Marquand

I regret that the information is not available in the form desired.

Mrs. Mann

Is it not very important that we should know whether or not a doctor was present at the confinements in Monmouthshire?

Mr. Marquand

I was very anxious to give the hon. Lady the information, but it is difficult to get it because the boundaries of the administrative arrangements of the midwifery service do not coincide with the administrative boundaries of the county.

Mr. James Johnson

Is there any constitutional precedent for the exchange of constituencies between the hon. Lady and the hon. Member for Monmouth (Mr. P. Thorneycroft)?

Dr. Stross

In view of the fact that my right hon. Friend has not been able to give the information asked of him in the question, would he consider approaching the hon. Member for Monmouth (Mr. P. Thorneycroft) and asking him for his aid in this matter?