HC Deb 16 December 1957 vol 580 cc26-7
33. Mr. Wiley

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to ensure that Sunderland has its required establishment of midwives.

Mr. R. Thompson

The employment of domiciliary midwives in Sunderland is the responsibility of the county borough council.

Mr. Willey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we have only about two-thirds of our required establishment, that the position is getting worse and is prejudicing us in Sunderland, and that it appears to us it will not improve until better conditions are provided for midwives?

Mr. Thompson

The council is advertising for midwives and offering housing accommodation, but so far. I fear, without much success.

Mr. Willey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we still cannot get the midwives?

Mr. Thompson

The shortage of domiciliary midwives in the country as a whole is about 7 per cent., which is not too serious a figure. There is an acute local shortage in Sunderland, but, as I have said, the council is taking special steps to try to alleviate it.