§ Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Health if, in view of the declared intention of the Government, stated in the recent White Paper on Local Government, to set up a local government boundary commission, he will issue a standstill order restraining local authorities from promoting further extension Bills pending the introduction of legislation on the subject of extensions.
§ Mr. WillinkI have no power to make a standstill order to debar local authorities from approaching Parliament, but in fact only one borough extension Bill has been promoted in this Session. This is now awaiting Second Reading in another place. It may no doubt be expected that the proceedings
2244Wareas. So far as domiciliary confinements are concerned, I issued in November, 1942, a Circular to welfare authorities, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, urging them to establish a service of home helps to meet some of the difficulties to which he refers. There are also other schemes for expectant mothers, such as the provision of additional coupons for sheets and other necessaries and of special foods.