§ 41. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to announce his decisions on the recommendations of the Cranbrook Report; and, in particular, whether he favours the principle of an obstetric list.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithMemoranda commending many of the recommendations in the Report were sent to hospital and local health authorities, executive councils and general practitioners on 31st July. I am not yet ready to pronounce upon the recommendations relating to the obstetric list as these are under consideration in consultation with the interested bodies.
§ Mr. RobinsonThis is about the most important recommendation of all, and it is more than twelve months since the 20 right hon. and learned Gentleman received the Report. When he is making up his mind, will he bear in mind that there is widespread support for this recommendation and a good deal of support within the medical profession?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI appreciate the importance of the question. I do not know whether it is the most important—it is certainly a very important one—but certainly it is the most difficult, because there are strongly-held differences of opinion in this matter. For that reason, we have to have full consultation and close consideration before a decision can be made.