§ Mr. Storeyasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the recommendations sent to him last August by the Northern branch of the British Medical Association that trained midwives should no longer be accepted for the Services or industry and that those already accepted should be released or directed to their proper work; and whether he has taken any action thereon.
§ Mr. WillinkThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." I have consulted with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service and have communicated with the British Medical Association. The nursing services of the Crown have, since May, 1943, been precluded from recruiting practising or newly-qualified midwives or midwives with recent experience. Similarly as regards industrial nursing, experienced or practising midwives are1356W not admitted to posts, unless they are immobile and there is no prospect of using their services in local midwifery work. A review of all qualified midwives already employed in industry has already taken place and those with good or recent experience are withdrawn, though there is sometimes a little delay in withdrawal where replacement is necessary. In view of the present operational needs and the fact that any midwives now in the Services must have qualified some time ago and will be scattered all over the world, I do not think I could press the Service Departments to make releases of midwives at the present time.