§ 64. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health, in view of the continuing shortage of maternity nurses and midwives available for the borough of Leyton and other boroughs in the area of the North-East Metropolitan Region, what further steps have now been taken to secure tin improvement and an adequate maternity service in the future; to what extent the five-year refresher courses for midwives have contributed to the present deficiency; and whether the 127W proportion of home confinements compared with those in hospitals or maternity homes is increasing.
§ Mr. BraineThe domiciliary service is coping with the demand made on it and additional maternity beds are being provided in hospitals in the region. The refresher courses should not lead to staffing difficulties. The proportion of home confinements to those in hospitals has been falling.