Amendment 1 seems to me to be outside the scope of the Bill.
Financial Resolutions. - Midwives Bill, 1931—Committee Stage.
It has a bearing on the other amendment, and perhaps I might argue it on the other amendment.
Perhaps I might shorten discussion if I were to make a brief statement. Arising out of certain statements and suggestions made here on the Second Reading of the Bill, I had a conference with the representatives of the Central Midwives Board. They propose to deal with some of the suggestions that were made here. As far as I can understand, they propose to deal with the suggestion contained in the Deputy's amendment by an amendment of their regulations. They submitted to me a draft regulation that they are prepared to make, subject to coming to agreement with myself in the matter. They must have their regulations approved by the Medical Registration Council. What they propose is:
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Consolidated Rules the Board may admit to the Roll of Midwives and issue a certificate of such admission to any woman—
(a) who prior to the first day of June, 1927, was granted a certificate in midwifery on examination, by a lying-in hospital recognised by the Board, after a course of training of at least three months in the case of a trained medical and surgical nurse, and at least four months in the case of a sick children's nurse registered on the Register of Nurses under the Nurses Registration (Ireland) Act, 1919, and at least six months in any other case; or
(b) who before the first day of January, 1924, was or had been a midwife in the permanent employment of a Poor Law Authority, if such a woman shall within twelve months after the making of this Rule qualify at such examination in midwifery as shall be prescribed by the Board for the purpose.
That is that in the case of those people who did not take these steps after June, 1927, to get put on the register, by an amendment of their consolidated rule, they would allow such a woman to go up for an examination that they would prescribe, and that would be suitable for the circumstances of the people for whom this amendment in the rules is intended, and that they would pass an examination within twelve months after the passing of the Act. I think that would meet what the Deputy has down in his amendment.
Not exactly, but the people I speak for tell me that they are satisfied to go for one examination, and that they think it unfair to be asked to go back for a year's training. I think they would be satisfied if they were not asked to go back for a year's training.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Question—"That Section 1 stand part of the Bill"—put and agreed to.
SECTION 2.
Sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Principal Act is hereby repealed and in lieu thereof it is hereby enacted that every person who attends a woman in childbirth shall, unless— (a) such person is a midwife, or
(b) such person is a duly qualified medical practitioner, or
(c) such person gives such attention under the direction and personal supervision of a duly qualified medical practitioner, or
(d) such person being a person undergoing training with a view to becoming a duly qualified medical practitioner or a midwife gives such attention as part of a course of practical instruction in midwifery recognised by the Medical Registration Council or the Board, or
(e) such person satisfies the Court that such attention was given in a case of sudden or urgent necessity,
be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
I move amendment 2:—
"In sub-section (1) to delete paragraph (c)."
I do not think that in these circumstances sub-section (2) (c) should come out. I think it might be left in subject to a restriction, that it would apply, say, up to the 31st December, 1932. If that section comes out now then a certain class of women who are at present able to work will be estopped from working and there will not be provided, under the regulations of the Central Midwives Board proposed now, facilities that would enable them to come into work. I think the Deputy should withdraw that amendment and give me an opportunity of seeing what restricting date might be put in so that there shall not be an estopping of persons working for a period while they are waiting for the qualification examination which they might pass under the regulations.
Does the Minister say that this paragraph would only apply up to the 31st December, 1932?
Some such date as that.
Will the Minister bring it in on the Report Stage?
I will.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
In the Report Stage I propose bringing in an amendment to sub-section (2) (e) providing that such person satisfies the court that such attention was given in cases of instant and urgent necessity where a midwife was not immediately available.
Question—"That Sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and the Title stand part of the Bill."—put and agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment.
Report Stage ordered for Wednesday, 17th June.