HC Deb 02 March 1959 vol 601 cc7-9
17. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health what percentage of the practising midwives in Stoke-on-Trent are trained in the administration of inhalation analgesics, as compared with the national percentage; how many of them use gas and air; and how many use trilene.

Mr. R. Thompson

Thirty-three of the 37 domiciliary midwives in Stoke-on-Trent, or nearly 90 per cent., are trained in the administration of inhalation analgesics. The national percentage is about 95. All the Stoke-on-Trent midwives who give analgesia use gas and air.

Dr. Stross

In view of the fact that the gas and air apparatus is very heavy and cannot be easily carried about by hand, can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether motor vehicles will be supplied at any time in the future, and if not, why not?

Mr. Thompson

As the hon. Gentleman will know, trilene has no clinical advantage over gas and air, but it has the advantage of easier transportability. The question of the provision of vehicles would be a matter for the local authority.

21. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the continuing shortage of midwives in Rugby; and what action he proposes taking consequent upon the findings of the Maternity Services Committee under the chairmanship of the Earl of Cranbrook.

Mr. R. Thompson

Yes, Sir, and as regards the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Mason) on 10th February; I am sending him a copy of the memorandum referred to in that answer. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) on 20th January.

Mr. Johnson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of my constituents wish to have their babies in hospital and not at home as their mothers did 25 or 30 years ago? Is he aware that at Harborough Magna Hospital there are empty beds because there are no midwives and nurses to deal with patients who wish to go there? Is he further aware that the findings of this Committee are most disappointing to many of us, and will he think again about this matter?

Mr. Thompson

Further consideration of this matter, the importance of which I fully recognise, is bound up with considering the recommendations of the Cranbrook Report very thoroughly. This is going on in consultation with the numerous bodies concerned.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the fact that Questions similar to this are put down on other occasions, is the hon. Gentleman doing anything to transfer midwives from areas where there is adequate provision to places such as my hon. Friend's constituency?

Mr. Thompson

That is a very difficult question, because we can persuade but we cannot direct anybody. Normally there is a very considerable difference between the hospital and the domiciliary service. My right hon. and learned Friend is concerned specifically with the hospital service.