§ 14. Mr. Haynesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of male midwives who have completed their training who are unemployed 12 months after they qualified.
§ Dr. VaughanWe do not know for certain, but 13 men have qualified as midwives since May 1978. Four were from overseas and have returned overseas, one is working as a midwife, one is working in health education, and we believe that the other seven are working as nurses.
§ Mr. HaynesDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that, from the Prime Minister down, it is regularly said in the House by Ministers that we should spend money wisely? But the Government are spending money unwisely as far as male midwives are concerned. When will the hon. Gentleman change his policy on discrimation against males? He supports up to the hilt the organisations that are dead against male midwives. When will he be honest about it and support the money that is being spent in this direction?
§ Dr. VaughanIt appears that the hon. Gentleman has some special anxiety about this matter and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. I strongly share his view——
§ Mr. HaynesWhat are you going to do about it?
§ Dr. VaughanWe are about to publish a report on the attitudes of the public and the profession and no doubt the hon. Gentleman will make his views known at that time. We shall be discussing with the professions what action to take.