§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the Government have changed in their statement in Cmnd. 9371 responding to recommendations of the Third Report from the Social Services Committee Session 1983–84, their policy to establish minimum standards of obstetric and neonatal care as stated on 5 December 1980, Official Report, column 597; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThere has been no change in policy. My right hon. and learned Friend asked the Maternity Services Advisory Committee to advise on standards as an integral part of its current review of practice in the maternity and neonatal services. It has produced clear advice on standards (including minimum staffing standards) of care, which we have commended to health authorities, and we are now awaiting the committee's report on postnatal care of the mother and care of the newborn.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice and practical support, in the form of resources, his Department is prepared to give to 1086W remove the geographical inequality in the equipment and staffing of obstetric and neonatal units; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWhile there are geographical differences in the perinatal mortality rates in England, it is not clear whether or how these correspond to any differences in equipment and staffing on obstetric units. We do not believe that specific extra central funding for these services is the right approach. It rests with health authorities, using the advice and checklists provided by the Maternity Services Advisory Committee in its first two reports, to decide if changes are needed to their services, and what priority these can be given in the light of other local service needs.