§ Sir K. Josephasked the Minister of Health whether, while recognising that the 1,094 maternal deaths due to pregnancy and childbirth during the years 1952–54 were only a minute fraction of the 2 million pregnancies in the same period, he is satisfied that the avoidable factors, set out in Report No. 97 on Public Health—Medical Subjects Report on Confidential Inquiries into Maternal Deaths in England and Wales in 1952–54, which caused the deaths in about 50 per cent. of these fatalities and which must have adversely affected the welfare of many non-fatal cases, have been adequately brought to the minds of all concerned, including those few mothers who neglect available pre-natal care or despite strong medical advice, refuse hospital delivery.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithCopies of the published Report, to the number of 1,200, have been issued to a wide range of interested bodies and persons, including hospital authorities having maternity beds, local medical committees, and medical officers of health. Some time ago, on the advice of my Standing Maternity and Midwifery Advisory Committee, arrangements were made for the holding of local professional conferences throughout the country to discuss measures for the improvement of antenatal care. Also notes have been issued62W for the guidance of the editors of women's journals, emphasising the need for all expectant mothers to seek and follow medical advice during pregnancy.