HC Deb 20 October 1998 vol 317 c1181 10.15 pm
Audrey Wise (Preston)

I am honoured to present a petition signed by nearly 70,000 people from all parts of the United Kingdom. It concerns maternity services, and while many of the signatories are midwives, many are not. There are only 32,000 practising midwives, and many other people have signed to show their support. Maternity services are fundamental: we are all born and many of us are parents. We value our midwives.

The petition states: The Petition of midwives and others concerned Declares that the midwifery service is at breaking point, due to midwives leaving the profession because of low pay and because midwifery is no longer an attractive career option. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to prevent increased risk to mothers and babies caused by midwife retention and recruitment problems and to ensure that midwives are paid appropriately and the minimum grade of F or equivalent is paid in accordance with NHS guidance. And the Petitioners remain your humble servants.

To lie upon the Table.

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