HC Deb 23 July 1953 vol 518 cc572-3
21. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of complaints that large number of mothers are not receiving analgesia, or anaesthesia in childbirth; and what steps he is taking to see that these benefits are fully enjoyed by all who desire and require them.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)

While my right hon. Friend has seen a number of allegations about inadequate provision of anaesthesia or analgesia, he has had only two complaints from mothers in the last two years. In areas where the administration of gas and air by midwives is below average the local health authorities are aware of the position, and as the hon. Member will know, the proportion of such administrations is steadily increasing from year to year.

Mrs. Mann

Does the hon. Lady know how many mothers in Britain are not receiving analgesia in childbirth?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Without notice I certainly could not give the hon. Lady that information, but she is aware that the availability is increasing; and the allegations far exceed any evidence which we have that mothers are being denied it when they wish it. They do not all wish it.

Mrs. Mann

Is the hon. Lady aware that in the reply given to me last week she specifically stated that there was no knowledge of how many mothers were not having analgesia in childbirth? Is it not astonishing, considering the party propaganda which went on during the régime of the last Government on this particular subject, that we should now be told that no information is available? Does the President of the Board of Trade know about it?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I think the hon. Lady is exaggerating the information she has been given in answer to various Questions. The figures she has been given concern gas and air administered by midwives. They do not take into effect alternative methods provided by doctors, so that it is not possible to give conclusive figures.