§ Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the increasing number of cases where midwives are unable to collect their fees; and whether he can issue an Order whereby, when maternity benefit is pay able, the fee's for the midwife shall be paid to her direct?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have heard from time to time of cases in which midwives have complained of difficulty in obtaining payment of their fees, but I am not aware that such cases are increasing in number. I have no power under the existing law to issue an Order to the effect suggested by the hon. Member, but I2414W may say that the whole question of the provision of midwifery services, particularly in relation to the' arrangements for maternity benefit under the scheme of National Health Insurance, is receiving my careful consideration.
§ Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Health if he can express any opinion as to the result of the experiment tried in two counties and five county boroughs under Sections 2 and 3 of the Midwives Act, 1926, as mentioned on page 57 of the Ministry of Health's Report, 1928–9?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI am advised that it is too early to express any definite opinion on this matter.