§ Mrs. J. Mannasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that Mrs. Herlihy, 479D Main Street, Coatdyke, was refused a home confinement grant, although she had been sent home from Bellshill Maternity Hospital to have her confinement at home; in view of the fact that patients are being sent home, due to the overcrowded conditions prevailing at the hospital, if he will state how many others have been refused the home confinement grant; and if he will remedy this situation, which arises through no fault of the patients.
§ Miss Pitt:The hon. Lady would seem to be under a misapprehension; I understand that Mrs. Herlihy had her confinement in Bellshill Maternity Hospital, and not at her home. Her claim for a home confinement grant is at present the subject of an appeal to the National Insurance Commissioner. I am not aware of any similar cases.
I understand that the hon. Member has raised with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland the question of the conditions prevailing at the hospital.