§ 29. Mr. Gibsonasked the Minister of Health how many maternity and health centres have been refused consent, or a starting date denied, as a result of the cut of £340,000 in the capital estimates of local health authorities.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithOne health centre and ten maternity and child welfare clinics.
§ Mr. GibsonDo I take it that it is the intention of the Ministry to get these maternity centres and, apparently, the one health centre built as soon as possible? Is it not rather a bad piece of economy to cut down on what are, in fact, very necessary and, in many cases, essential health services?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithDuring the loan restrictions, all Departments have had to make some contribution to the Government's policy. These schemes have not got the highest priority, and we have not been able to sanction them.
§ Dr. SummerskillAs the hon. Lady refused to answer my previous question on this subject, I think she will agree that I was justified in pressing it. She has now said that ten more maternity centres have been closed down. Will she or her right hon. Friend tell us what the general policy is?
§ Mr. MarquandOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the discrepancy, between the answer just given and the answer previously given to me, I wish to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.