HC Deb 21 January 1970 vol 794 c502
23. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland have equipped midwives within their midwifery service with portable two-way radios, and at what cost.

Mr. Milian

This information is not centrally available.

Mr. Eadie

Is my hon. Friend aware that his reply has taken me aback to some extent? He says that the information is not available. But we have reports before the House that some areas in England are using this system. Hon. Members will want to know the success of this kind of communication.

Mr. Milian

There have been reports in professional journals about the experience of English local authorities in their use of portable two-way radios. I am sure that medical officers of health and other people interested in the subject have seen these reports. Perhaps my hon. Friend's Question today will give additional publicity to this matter so that they can consider whether they want to adopt similar proposals for their own areas.