asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the serious shortage of accommodation for maternity cases in the Amersham area, intensified by the closing of the Home at Shardloes; and whether measures are being taken to relieve the situation.

Yes, Sir. I am consulting with the Regional Hospital Board and the County Council on the matter.

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly regard this matter as very urgent, because since the closing of Shardloes the position has become almost desperate?

It is always an urgent matter when a maternity home closes down because of lack of staff, and I invite the co-operation of everybody in order to try to get staffs brought up to the necessary strength.