§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy on which is the appropriate body or person to make local decisions on midwifery supervision; what guidance or circulars have been issued in relation to this question; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe policy for local supervision of midwifery practice is set out in the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979. In section 16(1)(a) it is specified that in England the local supervising authorities shall be the regional health authorities.
Guidance on supervision of midwives has been issued by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting and the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting to the regional health authorities, and by them to the supervisors of midwives in their areas of supervision.