§ 16. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Minister of Health what arrangements are made, and what expenditure he is prepared to meet, for the transport of gas-air analgesia used by midwives in domiciliary cases.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonArrangements for the transport of analgesia apparatus are the responsibility of the local health authorities, and they bear the cost with the usual Exchequer grant.
§ Mrs. JegerIn view of the importance of this as a national question, will the Minister look into the way in which it is working out? For instance, is he aware that even in Central' London it has been known for a midwife to arrive on her bicycle to attend a case having been unable to bring the apparatus with her and having had to send an expectant father—in the usual state of collapse—on a two or three mile walk to fetch it?
§ Mr. ThompsonIf the hon. Lady knows of cases of difficulty, I should be obliged if she would provide particulars.
§ Dr. SummerskillWill the Parliamentary Secretary tell us more about this? In the Report of his Department it states that 91 per cent. of the midwives are taught administration. Can the hon. Gentleman say why 100 per cent. are not taught and whether those who are so taught are properly equipped?
§ Mr. ThompsonThat is a different question. Perhaps the right hon. Lady will put it down.