§ 13. Mrs. Mannasked the, Minister of Health if he will make an inquiry into the non-use of gas and air machines at childbirth in Monmouthshire; and why this analgesia, so freely available there, is not in use at confinements.
§ Mr. CrookshankNo, Sir; my information is that gas and air analgesia is given in the majority of domiciliary confinements in Monmouthshire.
§ Mrs. MannIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that more than 1,000 mothers in Monmouthshire did not have this analgesia? Will he inquire why they did not have it, as it was available and, if it is unpopular as an analgesic, would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is wise to recommend other local authorities to adopt its use?
§ Mr. CrookshankI think the hon. Lady's figure is wrong. That is not the number of those who did not get this last year. The number using it was 64 per cent.
§ Mr. Iain MacLeodWould my right hon. Friend consider whether it might be for the convenience of the House if this long-standing dispute between the hon. Lady and the President of the Board of 1148 Trade were now referred to the conciliation machinery of the Minister of Labour?
§ Mrs. MannOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter again.
§ 14. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Health the number, on a local authority basis, of confinements relating to England and Wales at which a doctor was present or engaged.
§ Mr. CrookshankI will send the hon. Lady a statement setting out the information she requires.