§ 25. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Health when he estimates that the Middlesex County Council will be in a position to provide additional maternity accommodation at the Chase Farm Hospital, as promised.
§ Mr. Bevan:I understand that owing to shortage of staff and other difficulties, the council have not made as rapid progress as they expected. They hope to receive tenders for the necessary adaptations next month and, given the required labour, the work should take about four months from the starting date fixed by the Ministry of Works after the receipt of tenders.
§ 26. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the failure of the Middlesex County Council to provide additional maternity accommodation at Chase Farm Hospital, he will reconsider the proposal of the 470W urban district council of Enfield to establish a maternity home at Enfield.
§ Mr. Bevan:No, Sir. I am advised that the proposal is not a very satisfactory one. Other measures for relieving the pressure on maternity accommodation in the greater London area are in contemplation, and I am writing to my hon. Friend in the matter.