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Written Answers

Volume 636: debated on Tuesday 14 March 1961

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Written Answers To Questions

Tuesday, 14th March, 1961

Science

Research And Development, Scotland

14.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what steps he is taking to increase the financial assistance for research and development projects in Scottish universities and research establishments.

My noble Friend discussed this whole matter last year with the Research Councils and with the Atomic Energy Authority. Financial support from these sources for research and development in Scotland has increased in recent years, and is now on a considerable scale. The allocation of funds to particular projects, and in particular the siting of scientific establishments must, however, primarily be determined on scientific grounds.

15.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science how many inventions, derived from publicly-supported research developed in Scotland, are being commercially exploited.

Within the field of research, for which my noble Friend, the Minister for Science, is responsible, some 50 patents from the National Engineering Laboratory at East Kilbride, 7 from the Torry Research Station at Aberdeen, and 14 from Atomic Energy Authority's establishments in Scotland, are being exploited commercially. No information is available about the commercial exploitation of inventions which are not patentable, or of which patents have lapsed or have expired.

Nuclear Research (Nimrod Proton Synchrotron)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science when the Nimrod proton synchrotron at the Rutherford Laboratory of the National Institute for Nuclear Research will be available for use by university research workers.

I am informed by the National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science that Nimrod should become available for use by university research workers in 1963.

Medical Reserarch

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what success the National Institute for Medical Research has had in the development of the use of electronic devices in clinical diagnosis.

A small electronic capsule known as the "radio pill" has been developed in a variety of forms. When swallowed, this device converts physical and chemical changes occurring in the grasto-intestinal tract into electrical signals which can be recorded externally.The signals transmitted by the "radio pill" yield information about conditions inside the body that are difficult to obtain by any other means.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what uses have been discovered for radioactive isotopes of gases in the investigation of pulmonary disorders.

Radioactive oxygen and carbon dioxide prepared in the Medical Research Council's cyclotron at the Post-graduate Medical School of London (Hammersmith Hospital) have been used to investigate the ventilation and blood flow of the lungs in patients with pulmonary and cardiac disease.In particular radioactive oxygen has been of great value in the investigation of patients with localising lung disease before surgical operations.

National Lending Library For Science And Technology

Osborn asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what services will be offered by the National Lending Library for Science and Technology when fully established in Yorkshire.

When fully established, the National Lending Library for Science and Technology will provide a loan and photocopying service covering the world's scientific literature to all organisations in the United Kingdom concerned with scientific research and technological development work. A reading room service will be available to visitors to the library.

Land

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what is his policy with regard to the undertaking of basic research and deciding action to be taken on land capability, including soil science and topographical investigations.

I would refer the hon. Member to the written reply to this Question given to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Peart) by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education on Monday, 6th February, 1961.

Dsir (Liaison Officers)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what is the number of liaison officers in the Regional Information Service of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

In the two D.S.I.R. branch offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff there are five liaison officers. There are a further five in the four regional technical information centres at Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle which are supported by grant from D.S.I.R.

Research And Development (National Expenditure)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science to what extent national expenditure on scientific research and development has risen in the last three years; and whether he is satisfied with this rate of growth.

As shown in the Report of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy for 1959–60, national expenditure on research and development rose from £300 million, or 1·7 per cent. of gross national product, in 1955–56, to £478 million, or 2·3 per cent. of gross national product, in 1958–59. In the same period expenditure on civil research and development considered alone rose from £122 million to £243 million. Broadly speaking I consider this rate of growth highly satisfactory.

Local Government

Welsh Water Advisory Committee (Report)

28.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has yet received the Report of the Welsh Water Advisory Committee.

Yes. The Report has been submitted to me, and I hope it will be published next month.

Village Plans

34.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will encourage county councils to expedite the completion of outline village plans in their areas; and when he anticipates that the Essex County Council will be able to submit such plans to him.

County councils are not required to submit village plans to my right hon. Friend. It is for them to decide whether to prepare such plans for their own purposes, to help with the work of development control.

Glasgow Development Plan (Inquiry)

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will introduce in England and Wales the experimental procedure which is to be used in the Glasgow Development Plan inquiry.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland informs me that the Glasgow inquiry is not due to start until the week after next, and I think we should see how the new procedure goes in practice before considering whether to introduce it in England and Wales.

Scotland

Edinburgh Northern General Hospital

47.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange for the installation of a modern diagnostic nerve testing machine in the Edinburgh Northern General Hospital at an early date.

This would be a matter for the board of management and the regional hospital board. I understand that no formal request for such a machine has been made by the consultant concerned.

48.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many respirators have been supplied to the Edinburgh Northern General Hospital in the past two years.

No addition has been proposed by the board of management during this period to the three respirators already available at the hospital.

Agriculture (Crofting Counties)

52.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the total acreage of land in crofting tenure and the total acreage of other agricultural land, respectively, in the crofting counties.

The total acreage of crofting land is estimated at 1,950,000. The remaining 6,450,000 acres shown in the agricultural returns comprises other agricultural subjects and deer forests.

53.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the total number of tenants of crofts and the number of occupiers of other agricultural units, respectively, in the crofting counties.

From the information available, it is estimated that there are some 18,000 tenants of crofts and some 7,800 occupiers of other agricultural units in the crofting counties.

Housing, Dunoon

54.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are still required in Dunoon and the villages in the neighbourhood of the Holy Loch and what are his detailed proposals for dealing with the housing problem in that area.

Detailed proposals for dealing with outstanding housing needs in that area are matters for the two local authorities concerned. I understand that Argyll County Council contemplates building some sixty houses in the area over the next three years, but I have no information at present about the town council's future programme.

Education (Holy Loch)

55.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial arrangements he has made in connection with proposals for the education of the children of the United States personnel now stationed at Holy Loch.

It is the duty of an education authority to admit to its schools all pupils resident in its area and its expenditure on its schools is aided by general grant.

Hydro-Electric Scheme, Glen Nevis

56.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the nature of the representations he has received urging him to hold up his inquiry into the North of Scotland hydroelectric scheme for Glen Nevis; and what replies he has sent.

Consumer Protection

57.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the progress made in framing legislation to deal with firms currently engaged in unfair trading practices, with particular reference to personal credit schemes.

I have nothing to add to the reply that I gave to a Question asked by the hon. Member on 14th February.

Geriatric Beds, West Fife

58.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the provision of geriatric facilities in West Fife is much worse than the average provision in Scotland; and what steps are contemplated to remedy this situation.

I am aware of the need for additional geriatric beds in West Fife. The regional hospital board has this matter under consideration now and I am hopeful that it will be able to increase the number of beds available within a reasonable time.

Invalid Tricycles, Glasgow

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many invalid tricycles there are in Glasgow under his supervision;(2) how many invalid tricycles were issued in Glasgow in the year 1960; and what was the average delay between the date of order and the date of delivery;(3) how many of the invalid tricycles issued in Glasgow in the year 1960 were found to require adjustment, other than minor adjustment, on delivery;(4) how many technical officers are employed at the limb and appliance centre in Glasgow;(5) if he will state the names of the garages in Glasgow which carry out repair and servicing of invalid tricycles;(6) what was the total cost of repair and servicing of invalid tricycles in Glasgow in the year 1960; and what sum was paid to each of the garages which undertake this work;(7) in how many cases in Glasgow in 1960 invalid tricycles were in workshops for repair for mare than a fortnight and more than a month, respectively.

There are 206 invalid tricycles in use in Glasgow. Of these, 66 were issued in 1960, the average period between the initial recommendation and delivery being about six months. Two of the 66 required adjustment after delivery.There are five garages approved to carry out repairs and servicing; only minor repairs can be done elsewhere. The total cost of repairs, etc., carried out by these garages in 1960 was just over £8,000. In 1960 the garages had 52 tricycles under repair for between two weeks and a month; 30 tricycles were under repair for more than a month, of which 14 had been in accidents.There are three technical officers employed at the Limb and Appliance Centre in Glasgow, one of them having duties also at the Centre at Dundee.I am writing to the hon. Member about the other information for which he asks.

Migration

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the net loss of population in Scotland by migration in each of the past ten years.

The estimated net loss of population in Scotland by migration for each of the years 1951 to 1960 was as follows:

Year ended 30th June
195122,871
195227,156
195326,972
195425,398
195523,150
195624,710
195732,510
195822,400
195918,600
196027,300

Three-Apartment Local Authority Houses

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what was the average economic rent of a three-apartment local authority house which qualified for Government subsidy in 1946, 1950, 1951, 1955, and 1960, assuming the loan charges were based on the long-term rates of interest being charged by the Public Works Loan Board as at 31st December in each of those years;(2) what was the average cost of building a three-apartment local authority house in each of the years 1946, 1950, 1951, 1955, and 1960.

The estimated average cost, and average annual outgoings, for three-apartment local authority houses completed in the years mentioned by the hon. Member are as follows:

YearCostAnnual Outgoings
££s.d.
19461,18344156
19501,57863104
19511,41265198
19551,570931810
19601,818125119
These figures have no necessary relation to rents charged by local authorities, who are expected to pool receipts and outgoings over all their houses, including pre-war houses. The effect of pooling is that, after crediting Exchequer subsidies, and assuming a rate contribution equal to one-third the amount of these subsidies, the major Scottish authorities could have balanced their housing revenue accounts in 1959–60 by collecting rents averaging about 15s. a week.

Teachers' Salaries

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how teachers' salaries compared with those of other

Teachers19391961IncreasePercentage Increase
£££
Non-graduate (woman)Minimum140530 (545)390 (405)279 (289)
trained for three years*Maximum210975 (1,000)765 (790)364 (376)
Ordinary graduate (man):—in primary schoolMinimum200630430215
Maximum3601,100740206
in secondary schoolMinimum200710510255
Maximum3601,180820228
1st or 2nd class honours graduate (man) in secondary schoolMinimum250780530212
Maximum4001,4001,000250
*The figures in brackets are those that will come into operation on 1st April, 1961, with the full implementation of equal pay.
While information about the movement of other salaries is not readily available the salaries of officers in the Civil Service are determined on the principle of fair comparison with staff in
——19391961IncreasePercentage Increase
£££
Clerical OfficerMinimum80286206258
Maximum340796456134
Executive OfficerMinimum145458313216
Maximum5101,154644126
Higher Executive OfficerMinimum5351,222687128
Maximum6351,430795125
Assistant PrincipalMinimum270738468173
Maximum6101,222612100
PrincipalMinimum7801,716936120
Maximum1,0802,4181,338124

Education

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total school population of each local education authority in Scotland; what the school population of each local education authority represents as a percentage of the total school population in Scotland; what percentage of the total cost of the 1960 to 1965 school building programme will be met out of Government funds, for each local education authority,

salary earners in 1939; and how they compare today;

(2) what a teacher's basic salary was in 1939; and what it is today.

The basic salary scales of the main groups of teachers in 1939 and today—disregarding the responsibility allowances ranging from £60 to £1,350 paid to 28 per cent. of them—compare as follows:employment outside the Service. The following table compares the salaries (Edinburgh rates) in 1939 and today of a selection of grades in the Civil Service:respectively; and what percentage this figure represents of each local education authority's estimated school building expenditure as a consequence of the 1960 to 1965 school building programme.

The table below gives the figures asked for in the first two parts of the Question. I am unable to give the figures asked for in the last two parts of the Question since the general grant paid to each local authority is a subvention to its whale expenditure on the various services which the grant covers. Particular parts of these grants cannot be attributed to particular items of expenditure on these services.

Education AuthorityNumber of Pupils in Public Schools in January,1960 (1)Percentage of total school population(2)
Counties:
Aberdeen24,3882·8
Angus15,3281·8
Argyll8,7271·0
Ayr57,2036·7
Banff8,4561·0
Berwick3,6690·4
Bute1,9740·2
Caithness4,6780·5
Clackmannan7,2820·8
Dumfries14,7801·7
Dunbarton31,3743·7
East Lothian8,6681·0
Fife56,4566·6
Inverness14,3741·7
Kincardine4,4680·5
Kirkcudbright4,7170·6
Lanark99,68211·6
Midlothian18,9322·2
Moray and Nairn10,0681·2
Orkney3,1100·4
Peebles2,0650·2
Perth and Kinross20,2472·4
Renfrew55,6666·5
Ross and Cromarty10,2861·2
Roxburgh6,1850·7
Selkirk3,2360·4
Stirling32,6973·8
Sutherland2,2840·3
West Lothian16,6831·9
Wigtown5,3700·6
Zetland2,9390·3
Burghs:
Aberdeen30,0073·5
Dundee30,5073·6
Edinburgh63,2707·4
Glasgow178,86020·8
Total (Scotland)858,636100·0

National Finance

Income Tax

60.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Income Tax law in its present state is unintelligible to the majority of tax payers; and, in view of the damaging effect of the complexity of Income Tax law upon industrial productive effort, exports, and personal endeavour, what steps he proposes to take to examine possibilities for simplification and reformation of Income Tax.

I think that my hon. Friend's views are somewhat exaggerated. But I will be happy to consider any practical suggestions for simplification that may be put forward.

Purchase Tax

59.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the estimated yield from the 60 per cent. rate of Purchase Tax in 1957–58 and 1958–59 and from the 50 per cent. rate in 1959–60; and what has been the revenue from the 50 per cent. rate during the first eleven months of the current financial year.

The following is the Answer:

Financial YearReceipts
£Million
1957–58237·9 (a)
1958–59232·9 (a)
1959–60240·9 (b)
1960–61 to 31st December, 1960)196·2 (c)
NOTES:(a) Includes some goods subsequently taken out of the 60 per cent. tax rate and excludes some goods subsequently brought into that rate.(b) As Purchase Tax is payable quarterly in arrear the total for 1959–60 includes £62.1 million in respect of approximately one-quarter's tax at the 60 per cent. rate on goods reduced to the 50 per cent. rate in the 1959 Budget.(c) Latest available figure.

Bank Notes

61.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the recent research work carried out by the National Institute of Hygiene in Paris, which discloses that after a few weeks in circulation currency notes accumulate a considerable content of bacilli, which in some cases may be infectious, and in view of the fact that steps have been taken in future to incorporate a certain proportion of special disinfectant in bank note paper in that country, if he will state the experience with British currency notes; and whether he intends to take similar action in this country.

The composition of the paper used in bank notes in the United Kingdom is a matter for decision by the issuing banks themselves. I am informed, however, that experience in this country does not suggest the need for bank notes to be impregnated with disinfectant. If bank notes were liable to pass on disease one might expect a heavy incidence of illness among bank staffs who handle soiled notes all day, and I understand this is far from being the case.

Paye

62.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of tax overpaid, and the total tax underpaid, from Pay-As-You-Earn sources for the financial year 1959–60.

European Currencies And Sterling

63.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what communication Her Majesty's Government received from the German Government before the Deutschmark was revalued, in view of the effect of this on sterling; what similar communications he has received from other European countries whose currencies are to be revalued; whether adequate resources are available to protect sterling against international speculation; and if he will make a statement.

Her Majesty's Government received no such communication, nor have they received any similar communication from any other Government. We are determined to maintain the exchange value of sterling and will make use of our gold and dollar reserves, and if need be our drawing rights on the International Monetary Fund, to that end.

Common Market Countries (Investment)

64 and 65.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will give the amount of private investment by Common Market countries in the United Kingdom in 1960;(2) if he will give the amount of United Kingdom private investment in the Common Market in 1960.

I regret that information is not yet available which would allow me to add to the replies given to the hon. Member on 13th December, 1960.

Public Works Loan Board (Interest Rates)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the long-term rates of interest, charged by the Public Works Loan Board as at 31st December, in each of the years 1946, 1950. 1951, 1955 and 1960.

The rates of interest charged by the Public Works Loan Board on advances to local authorities for more than thirty years on these dates were:

Per cent.
31st December, 1946
31st December, 19503
31st December, 1951
31st December, 19555
31st December, 19606⅛

Trade And Commerce

Cairnryan Military Port

66.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what application he has received from Mr. H. G. Pounds for assistance under the Local Employment Act, to develop Cairnryan Military Port as a shipbreaking business or as any other business.

Exports To North Africa

67.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the dismantling and sale to Morocco of cranes from Cairnryan, what further steps he is taking to encourage exports to North African countries.

The Board of Trade is helping to promote our exports to North African countries in a number of ways. The Department was not concerned in the transaction referred to by my hon. Friend, but I am informed that the cranes were sent to Agadir after the earthquake there.

Normanton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to encourage new industries in the area of Normanton, Yorkshire, in view of the declining mining industry in Normanton.

I am not aware that any contraction of the mining industry in the Normanton area is in prospect. In view of this, and of the low level of unemployment, I do not consider that there is any need to encourage further industrial development in the area.

Bacon

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in 1960 Great Britain had a substantial adverse trade balance with those countries which are the main exporters of bacon to the British market, namely, Denmark, Holland, Sweden and Poland; and whether, in view of the desirability of placing the British bacon industry on a permanently satisfactory basis, he will re-explore the possibility of placing some reasonable limit on the amount of foreign bacon which can be imported.

It is the view of Her Majesty's Government that our interests are best served by a multilateral system of trade and payments over the widest possible area. Under such a system the United Kingdom must expect to have adverse trade balances with some countries and favourable balances with others. As regards the second part of the Question, imports of bacon from Poland are limited by quota and it would not be consistent with our international obligations to introduce quotas for imports from the other countries referred to in the Question.

Motor Tyres

asked the President of the Board of Trade, since the investigation of the motor tyre distributive trade by the Restrictive Practices Court, and in view of its findings, what evidence he has that this trade is tending more towards monopolistic practice.

I understand that the Registrar of Restrictive Trading Agreements has started proceedings in respect of two registered agreements relating to the sale of motor tyres, but that the hearings before the Restrictive Practices Court are unlikely to take place for some time. As these matters are at present sub judice, it would be wrong for me to comment.

Local Land Charges (Committee's Recommendations)

68.

asked the Attorney-General what progress has been made in considering the recommendations of the Stainton Committee on Local Land Charges; and what action he proposes to take to implement these recommendations.

Consideration of the Committee's recommendations in the light of legislation enacted since its Report is not yet complete. Legislation will, however, be required to implement most of the recommendations and I can hold out no hope of a Bill being introduced for this purpose during the present Session.

Home Department

Homicide Act, 1957

70.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people, at the latest convenient date, have been charged with murder since the Homicide Act, 1957, came into force; how many have been found guilty of manslaughter, how many guilty of murder not falling within Sections 5 and 6 of the Homicide Act, 1957, and how many guilty of capital murder; how many have been sentenced to death; and how many were executed.

It will take a little time to produce these figures, and I will write to my hon. Friend when they are available.

Surrendered Firearms

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will pay compensation to the widow of Lieut.-Colonel Wills for the firearms which the latter handed to the Royal Irish Constabulary, by order, for safe keeping, in return for which a receipt was given, and which have been used by the United Kingdom Government and have not been returned to their owner.

These firearms, which have not been used by the United Kingdom Government, were surrendered over forty years ago by owners who appear to have made no attempt to recover them or to claim compensation. I see no justification for paying compensation now.

Retail Shops (Closing Hours)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to ensure that the closing hours of retail shops of varying trades should coincide, particularly on the late closing day.

Taxi-Cabs (Metropolitan Police District)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many taxi-cabs were licensed to ply for hire in the Metropolitan Police district during the years 1931 to 1940 and 1951 to 1960.

The numbers are as follows:

19318,203
19328,157
19338,055
19348,203
19358,200
19368,095
19378,070
19387,823
19396,699
19405,797
19516,457
19525,618
19535,609
19545,553
19555,899
19565,898
19576,118
19586,157
19596,261
19606,656
The numbers for the years 1931 to 1938 include horse-drawn cabs, which declined in number from 51 in 1931 to 8 in 1938.

Employment

Dockers, Port Of London

71.

asked the Minister of Labour how many dockers are unemployed in the Royal Group of Docks; and what steps are being taken to reduce the incidence of unemployment in the docks.

The administration of the Dock Labour Scheme is the responsibility of the National Dock Labour Board. The Board informs me that there was a shortage of labour yesterday and men had to be brought in from other parts of the port. I am satisfied that the Board does its best to minimise the amount of idle time.

Ashington And Morpeth

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons are signing on at the employment exchanges at Ashington and Morpeth, giving the figures for men, women, boys, and girls, in March, 1961; and how this compares with the position in March, 1960.

The figures for March, 1961, will be available next week, when I will arrange for them to be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT With the corresponding figures for March, 1960.

Kenya

Mau Mau (Oaths And Ceremonies)

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the full details of the Mau Mau oaths and ceremonies now again being administered in Kenya.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 15th July last year.

Coal

Prices (Industrial Coal Consumers' Council's Report)

asked the Minister of Power if he has yet received from the Industrial Coal Consumers' Council a report of its conclusions on the representations made to it about last September's coal price increases.

I have received this Report and I have placed a copy of it, together with a copy of my reply, in the Library of the House.

Roads

A46 Road, Newark

asked the Minister of Transport what priority he will give to the improvement of the A.46 road passing through Newark.

It is too soon to fore. cast when A.46 in Newark can be improved. Construction of the Newark Bypass on A.1 has high priority however, and this will afford relief to the section of A.46 at Castle Gate which now also carries Great North Road traffic.

Ministry Of Health

Maternity Services (Cranbrook Report)

asked the Minister of Health if he will set out the criteria agreed with the medical profession for admission to the obstetric list; and if he will state the minor points arising out of the Cranbrook Report upon which agreement has yet to be reached with the profession.

A doctor must comply with one of the following criteria:

  • (i) that he has held a six months' resident appointment in a hospital obstetric unit within the past ten years; or
  • (ii) if he has held a six months' resident post in an obstetric unit, but not within the past ten years, that he has attended an appropriate refresher course in obstetrics within the past five years; or
  • (iii) that he has within the past two years been on the obstetric list of the same or another Executive Council and at the time of leaving it could have qualified for admission to it under (i) or (ii) above; or
  • (iv) that he has been in obstetric practice involving attendance within the last five years on not less than 100 maternity cases, for which he has been responsible for ante-natal care in all, and supervision of labour and the puerperium in at least 50; or
  • (v) that at the time of application he is on another obstetric list and is qualified to remain on it for a further period; provided that a review shall take place not later than it otherwise would have done in the other area; or
  • (vi) that within the past two years he has had non-resident experience in an obstetric unit under a consultant obstetrician in accordance with the 1953 recommendations of the Standing Maternity and Midwifery Advisory Committee. This non-resident experience should include within six months:—
  • (a) not less than 20 normal deliveries, and
  • (b) attendance at not less than 10 abnormal confinements, and
  • (c) attendance at not less than 10 antenatal and two post-natal clinics.
  • The points requiring further consideration are the future staffing of local authority ante-natal clinics, the introduction of an appeal against decisions of the local obstetric committees, the arrangements for the payment of medical fees, the reservation of general practitioner maternity beds for general practitioner obstetricians, and the publication by hospital authorities of clinical reports to include the domiciliary midwifery services.

    Social Workers

    asked the Minister of Health if he will give details of the new Younghusband course due to start in the autumn; and what progress has been made in appointing staff and enrolling students.

    Two-year full-time courses of general training for social work will start in September, 1961, at the London County Council North-Western Polytechnic, the City of Birmingham College of Commerce and the Liverpool College of Commerce.Applications for enrolment will be received up to 1st May. I understand that the colleges are each advertising for a lecturer and assistant with appropriate qualifications.