§ Mr. KELLYasked the Minister of Health whether any local authorities, and, if so, how many, delegate part of their maternity and child-welfare duties under Section 101 of the Local Government Act to voluntary associations; and whether any, or all, of such authorities provide for contributions to voluntary associations undertaking these duties?
§ Sir K. WOODSection 101 of the Local Government Act, 1929, does not provide for any delegation of duties but requires the council of every county (except London) and every county borough and, in certain circumstances, other local authorities who have established maternity and child welfare committees, to prepare and submit to the Minister for his approval, before the beginning of each fixed grant period wider the Act, a scheme for securing the payment by the council of annual contributions towards the expenses of voluntary associations providing maternity and child welfare services in or for the benefit of their area. Such schemes are at present in operation in the case of 61 county councils, 68 county borough councils and 34 other local authorities who have established maternity and child welfare committees. As regards the County of London, Section 101 provides for a similar scheme to be made by the Minister after consultation with the local authorities concerned. The 425W scheme at present in operation provides for contributions to be made to certain voluntary associations by the London County Council and to certain other voluntary associations by 25 metropolitan borough councils.