§ 30. Mr. Storeyasked the Minister of Health if he has considered the representations made to him through the Manchester Regional Hospital Board by the West Manchester Hospital Management Committee about the closure of midwifery beds at Park Hospital, Davyhume; and if he will make a statement thereon.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes, Sir. The representations are almost entirely concerned with the level of training allowances payable to pupil midwives. I understand that the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council is about to consider this matter.
§ Mr. StoreyIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that no less than 39 beds have had to be closed in this hospital because of the lack of trained midwives, and that this is entirely due to the lack of incentive both to pupil midwives and to midwives when they have received their training? During training they get £93 a year less than a staff nurse, and when they finish they get only £17 a year more. How does my right hon. and learned Friend expect to get enough midwives to keep these beds open if they are not properly paid?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithMy answers to the last Question are relevant to that, and particularly my answer to the right hon. Lady the Member for Warrington (Dr. Summerskill). As my hon. Friend knows, I am studying the advice of the National Consultative Council on the broader question to which he refers.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the Minister also aware that other beds are having to be closed down in other parts of the country, including North Shields and elsewhere, for the same reason? Will he keep this in mind?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes. I am fully aware that this problem is not confined to any particular locality.