As my hon. Friend is aware, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service is, in consultation with me, taking measures with a view to relieving the present shortage of midwives. Following a recent registration, women with midwifery qualifications are being interviewed and those who are suitable are being submitted for employment where they are most urgently required. I understand that some assistance has already been given under these arrangements to the midwifery services in Gloucestershire, and the needs of this area will certainly be kept in mind. I hope that the publication of the Report of the Midwives Salaries Committee, about which I made a statement a few minutes ago, will help to encourage recruitment to the midwifery profession.