Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Health whether, with a view to meeting the immediate demand for midwives, he will consider introducing legislation to ensure that all nurses, on obtaining the certificate of the Central Midwives Board, be required to practise as midwives in maternity homes or institutions for a period of six months; and that no training grant be payable on account of candidates unless they are prepared to undertake to practise for a period as midwives?
§ Mr. E. BrownI do not think that legislation is needed to bring about the result that ray hon. Friend desires. The matter has been very much in my mind and I am now in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service on plans to meet the special need.
Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make an Order to empower the Government to direct mid-wives or nurses who are at present otherwise engaged into branches of the profession where there are shortages?
Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Labour whether he will apply the Essential Work Order or some such stand-still Order to midwives and nurses employed by local authorities and nursing associations?
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§ Mr. BevinI am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on the general question of supply and employment of midwives and nurses.