§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what requests he has had for support for the initiative taken by the Royal College of Midwives to improve the security of maternity units and hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellNone, but we are aware that the general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives wrote to the chairmen of all district health authorities on 13 December 1990 asking them to review the security system for their maternity services.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will make available resources to improve security for mothers, babies and midwives in maternity units and hospitals.
§ Mr. DorrellThe Department is providing funding to the National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts to update the NHS security manual which is the main source of practical guidance to health authorities on security matters.
It is for health authorities to decide how to use the funds already allocated to them in the light of local needs and priorities. The cost and efficiency of security arrangements within any particular hospital or unit are matters for the relevant health authority and its general managers.