asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the maternity home of the Wandsworth Borough Council has been closed; that during the past 17 months there have been 87 cases of mothers suffering from abscesses of the breasts; that complaints have been made by patients and public bodies as to the lack of cleanliness and proper treatment; and that the services of all the staff have been dispensed with except the matron, who is retained and receiving wages as usual; and, in view of these facts, will he institute an inquiry into the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third part in the negative. My right hon. Friend has, for some months, been aware of the special incidence referred to in the question, but-repeated skilled inquiry has up to the present failed to clicit the cause of this unusual condition. He is informed that the borough council, who have made every effort to grapple with the problem, have now decided to close the home temporarily and to give notice to the staff. My right hon. Friend is suggesting to the council that a conference should be held locally, at which his Department would be represented, in order to discuss future arrangements.