§ Mr. MACMILLANasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the commissioners inquiring into the death of Mrs. Molly Taylor, of Manchester, state that at least an hour should elapse before the transfer of a newly confined mother to an ambulance unless the doctor in charge otherwise decides; and whether, seeing that in the opinion of the authorities of the best hospitals such as the British Hospital for Mothers and Babies, quoted by Sir George Newman as one of those having the lowest maternal mortality rate, a period of 24 hours is indicated, the Minister is prepared to uphold 576W the lower standard suggested by the commissioners?
Sir H. YOUNGMy hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The commissioners did not suggest a standard but a minimum which should not be disregarded even in exceptional circumstances. There is no question that it is highly desirable that a longer period than one; hour should elapse before the removal of a maternity patient after delivery.