HC Deb 05 March 1953 vol 512 c552
38. Miss Lee

asked the Minister of Health the percentage of mothers who are given analgesia among those whose children are born at home; and the percentage given any other treatment to relieve pain of a kind that requires special equipment and special training on the part of midwives.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Of the mothers attended by midwives in their homes in 1951, the latest year for which figures are available, 58 per cent. had gas and air analgesia. Twenty-five per cent. of the mothers were given pethidine.

Miss Lee

Can the hon. Lady explain why, when there are now trained midwives, there are so many women who are still being denied the advantage of help in childbirth?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I do not think that it can be fairly stated that the balance of figures shows that these facilities are being denied. Where gas and air are not being given, it may well be that the general practitioner has given anaesthesia or some other form of analgesia; and there are areas where traditionally women are disinclined to accept gas and air. I do not think that it is fair to assume that the proportion of women not obtaining it is because of the lack of provision.

Mr. G. Wilson

Is my hon. Friend aware that a considerable number of mothers object to it, and often reject its use a second time once having experienced it?

Mr. Hastings

Am I right in assuming that in many areas all midwives have been trained in giving analgesia in childbirth, and that in most areas a very large percentage of them are thus trained?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The hon. Member is quite right. The overall figure is 94 per cent. and in many areas it is 100 per cent.