HC Deb 11 April 1960 vol 621 cc84-5W
70. Mr. Oliver

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the acute shortage of district midwives, particularly in the County of Derby; and whether he will take steps to try to augment the service by offering appropriate inducements.

Miss Pitt

There is an acute shortage of district midwives in a few areas only. I am informed that in Derbyshire a vacancy for one midwife exists in each of seven districts, the total complement being 93 full-time midwives. Conditions of service are a matter for the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council and the individual employing authorities; and there have been substantial improvements recently.