§ 7. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further consideration he has given to encouraging more mothers with babies at risk to attend antenatal clinics.
§ Dr. VaughanI share the hon. Lady's concern over this. We have drawn the attention of the health authorities to the Government's paper Cmnd. 8084, and we are having discussions with the appropriate Royal colleges.
§ Mrs. ShortAlthough I thank the Minister for that reply, may I remind him that pregnant women in socioeconomic groups four and five are most at risk? Is he aware that an urgent effort needs to be made to attract such women to antenatal care? That cannot be done without additional resources. The Minister has refused them. Will he reconsider his decision?
§ Dr. VaughanI entirely accept what the hon. Lady has said. At present, 11 out of the 14 regions are actively taking steps to improve the service. We are particularly anxious that the antenatal service should be made as human as possible. I am having discussions with the Royal College of Obstetricians, the Maternity Alliance and other bodies about this.
§ Mr. Greville JannerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that about the only non-controversial provision in the Employment Act 1980 is that which provides that mothers shall have a reasonable amount of paid time off work for antenatal care? Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that very little is being done, because employees do not know their rights and employers do not grant them? What does he propose to do?
§ Dr. VaughanI am aware of that. I am also aware that one of the Select Committee's recommendations was that unions should be more involved in the various aspects of pregnant women at work and leaving work.