HC Deb 04 July 1966 vol 731 cc24-5
11. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Health what is the percentage of babies born in hospitals and the average period of application necessary to obtain a maternity bed in hospitals in the London area.

53. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Health what percentage of births take place in hospitals in the Greater London area; and how long is the average waiting period for a maternity bed.

Mr. Loughlin

For the first quarter of 1965, which is the latest period for which information is available, it is estimated that of babies born to mothers normally resident in Greater London, 78 per cent. were born in hospitals, including private nursing homes. The information asked for in the last part of the Question is not available.

Mr. Fisher

As the birth rate is rising and as, therefore, the position is likely to get worse rather than better—and as I have been informed that in the London area only about 60 per cent. of mothers can obtain maternity beds—does the Parliamentary Secretary genuinely feel that this matter is being given a high enough priority in the Health Service?

Mr. Loughlin

I think the information which the hon. Gentleman has about the position in the Greater London area is slightly erroneous. We have given the figures for the whole of Greater London and the figure of 78 per cent. is, as the hon. Gentleman knows, much higher than that for many other regions. It is very difficult to say that this is inadequate, comparing it with the percentage in other regions.

Mr. Shaw

Is my hon. Friend aware of the difficulties in Redbridge of obtaining maternity beds, and will he make the provision of maternity beds there a matter of urgency?

Mr. Loughlin

On the same basis of calculation, the position in Redbridge is virtually equivalent to that which exists in the rest of the country. I do not think, therefore, that I could give any promises to make improvements there.

Dr. David Kerr

Would my hon. Friend consider, if it does not already happen, extending to hospitals outside the inner London area the principle of the catchment area for maternity purposes, which has been so successfully introduced and implemented in the last few years?

Mr. Loughlin

I will consider the point my hon. Friend makes.