§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Minister of Health whether he will investigate the possibility of opening a temporary maternity home in the Stroud valleys forthwith in view of the urgent need for this service.
§ Mr. WillinkThe need for additional maternity accommodation in the Stroud Valley has recently been investigated, and I am informed that beds in institutions in the neighbourhood are reasonably adequate, combined with the domiciliary service of midwives in the district, to meet demands. As regards the proposal that a temporary Home might be opened, my hon. Friend will realise the extreme difficulty of undertaking the necessary building or adaptation works at the present time. I am writing to him more fully as to the particular case.