§ Mr. Ernie Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the high infant mortality rate in Great Britain compared with other European countries, and in view of the fact that infant mortality in Hackney is the worst in Great Britain, he will introduce a system such as the one which has produced excellent results in France, where maternity services have been expanded and improved in quality, and there is a compulsory requirement for pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics at regular and adequate intervals.
§ Dr. VaughanI am aware of the system in France where attendance at antenatal clinics, though not compulsory, is linked with the payment of maternity benefits, and appears to achieve some excellent results. The Government set a high priority on reducing perinatal and infant mortality and I assure the hon. Member that we will bear the French as54W well as other systems in mind when we are considering our own procedures.
§ Mr. Ernie Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the fact that infant mortality in Hackney, North—as in the remainder of the borough—is consistently four times as high as in richer London boroughs, he will make adequate funds available to improve the standard of maternity services in Hackney, North by increasing staffing levels in existing buildings, providing new buildings and equipment where necessary, and bringing Bearsted hospital up to its full capacity of patients and staff.
§ Dr. VaughanThe City and East London area health authority is responsible for the provision of health services in Hackney. The authority is seeking to reduce the high infant mortality rate and has introduced a scheme involving intensive intervention by health visitors. The future of the Bearsted hospital is still being considered.