§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the decision of the management committee of the Llanelly General Hospital to close forthwith the hospital against the admission of maternity cases; whether he is aware that there is no hospital provision for the reception of maternity cases in the whole of the eastern portion of the county of Carmarthen, including the town of Llanelly, which has a population of over 70,000; and, in view of the high maternal mortality rate prevailing in the county, whether he will take steps, in conjunction with the Carmarthen County Council and the Llanelly Borough Council, to deal immediately with this grave position by the provision of a maternity hospital in the eastern portion of the county?
§ Sir K. WoodMy attention had not previously been drawn to the matter referred to in the first part of the question. I am aware, however, of the need for the provision of maternity accommodation in this area, and I am glad to say that arrangements are being made for a conference to be held at an early date between representatives of the Carmarthen County Council and the Llanelly Borough Council. I shall be glad to arrange, if 1135W the local authorities so desire, for a representative of my Department to attend the conference.