§ 4. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Health how many babies 15 were born in hospital in South Bedfordshire in 1960, 1963, and 1966; what proportion of the total numbers born this represents; and what steps are being taken to increase maternity provision in the area.
§ Mr. SnowI regret that figures for South Bedfordshire alone are not available. I have now written to the hon. Member about the increased maternity provision proposed.
§ Mr. RobertsHave any investigations been carried out in this area into whether the proportion of admissions could be considerably increased if the time spent in hospital after childbirth was marginally reduced?
§ Mr. SnowThat is a question for clinical assessment about which I should not like to express a view. However, the contract for the additional maternity beds which it is proposed to have in operation at the end of 1970 or the beginning of 1971 is going out almost forthwith.