HC Deb 24 July 1951 vol 491 cc185-6
21. Mr. Peter Thorneycroft

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many gas and air machines have now arrived in Coatbridge.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. McNeil)

I am glad to say that four machines have now arrived. The town council have indicated that if a need for more is demonstrated more will be ordered.

Mrs. Jean Mann

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there has been any demand or any application from the women of Coatbridge for this machine?

Mr. McNeil

In fairness, I have to state to my hon. Friend that so far there has been only one woman in the whole burgh who has applied for treatment by this machine.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Does that supplementary question not show clearly that proper administration of the analgesia service in Coatbridge is badly lacking?

Mr. McNeil

You can appreciate my difficulty, Mr. Speaker, in keeping the peace. The town council has given reasonable publicity to the service. We must admit the right of women to chose the method which they think is most appropriate to their confinement.

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