3) 
MINORITY REPORT. 
108. So far as vital statistics can reveal to the nation direc- 
tions for extensions of national services, there is a conclusive 
case for a complete revision of maternity and child welfare 
services, with a view to the provision of more adequate ante- 
natal and maternity services—‘ This . . . . is a matter that 
has been discussed . . . . with the medical profession in 1919 
and since, and I think the general feeling is that if the requisite 
financial arrangements could be made it would be very desirable 
to end the present system under which you have the general 
practitioner responsible for treatment before labour, but having 
no responsibility during labour; the midwife under an entirely 
independent authority, giving attendance in labour and calling in 
a practitioner to attend in labour if necessary, who would be 
paid by the local authority; then you have the maternity and 
ante-natal centre giving assistance in the early stages. There 
is a great deal of overlapping and probably a good deal of waste, 
and it would be most desirable if it could be arranged to have a 
scheme that brought the family doctor, the midwife, the specialist 
if necessary, and all the services that are available at the 
maternity centre, under a common scheme and a common con- 
trol, so that they each played their proper part and were brought 
into proper relation with one another, helping one another 
instead of acting at a distance as they do now. I do not think 
there is any doubt as to the desirability of it . . . . Tf the insured 
people were willing or if it were thought desirable to apply part 
of the present cash maternity benefit so as to make such a scheme 
practicable, the medical advantages would be very great . . . ” 
(Smith Whitaker, 3. 23,896.) 
The evidence seemed to show that the medical profession 
“ would welcome an amendment of the Insurance Act whereby 
attendance at confinement would be brought within the scope of 
the provision made,” provided that certain conditions were ful- 
filled, and ‘ desire that the same provision should be extended 
to non-insured women of similar economic position.” (Appendix 
CITI, 46.) 
109. We recommend that the medical services during 
pregnancy and at confinements should be co-ordinated with the 
maternity and child welfare services under the Tiocal Authorities. 
MATERNITY CASH BENEFIT. 
110. We are not satisfied that there is anything like uniformity 
in the methods adopted by Societies in administering sickness 
benefit during pregnancy, nor do we feel that the position is 
materially better in this respect than in the period reviewed by 
the Sickness Benefit Claims Committee, and later by the Depart- 
mental Committee on Approved Society Administration. We 
further consider that this important phase of public health can- 
not be dealt with solely through the Approved Society system. 
Tt is significant that the Departmental Committee on Sickness