§ 29. Mrs. Mannasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how soon he will put into operation the recommendations of the Montgomery Committee with particular regard to the allocation of beds in obstetric units.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneMy right hon. Friend has already written to regional hospital boards. There will shortly be discussion with the medical profession and a circular to local authorities on relevant recommendations.
§ Mrs. MannWill the hon. Gentleman impress upon his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State the urgency of allocation, because the other recommendations will take some time? Is he aware that allocation of these beds can rest upon nothing stronger than a layman's recommendation? Will he ensure that a doctor's report goes with every application for a bed? The doctors are complaining that a great many of the mothers who have no hot water supply and who share lavatories on the stair-heads with other tenants are excluded from beds when other ladies who have influence and fine homes could quite well have their confinements in their own homes?
§ Mr. BrowneThe hon. Lady raises points of which my right hon. Friend is well aware and which will be urgently attended to.