§ 45. Mr. Freethasked the Minister of Health if, in view of the published announcement by the Secretary of the Maternity Services Committee that only written representations will be accepted, he will issue instructions to the committee that it shall receive oral evidence and interview any persons wishing to give such evidence.
§ Mr. TurtonI understand that the Committee will ask for oral evidence after examining the written material submitted to them: but this is a matter entirely within the Committee's discretion.
§ Mr. FreethWhilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that information, may I ask if he is aware that the published statement which appeared in the Press gave the impression that the Committee was not preparing to receive oral 849 evidence at all and that greatly distressed a large number of nursing midwives who felt that they were being overlooked? May I say how glad they will feel that the Committee has reconsidered its decision?
§ Mr. TurtonI am sorry that that impression got about. It is, in fact, the normal practice of all committees to wish to see a written statement before inviting oral evidence and, in the announcement mentioned, it was therefore not exceptional in this case.