asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is his policy to end the system of planned early discharge of women after confinement in maternity hospitals; if he is aware of the urgent need for more maternity beds in Glasgow; and what steps he is taking to give effect to the Montgomerie Report.

There is no scheme for planned early discharge, that is to say within 48 hours of confinement, in Scotland. The present average length of stay in maternity hospitals in Scotland is eight and a half days and in Glasgow is nine days.

I am aware that more maternity beds are still needed in Glasgow. The regional hospital board plans to meet the main deficiencies on the Montgomery standard in about three years' time by new building in progress and being planned.

While that Answer gives me some reassurance on the overall situation, will my right hon. Friend satisfy himself that no area will claim that the Montgomery Report is being observed by this method of the quick turnover of beds, and will he ensure that women are assured of proper treatment in hospital?

I can give my hon. Friend that assurance.

Is it not a fact that the hospital confinement rate in Scotland is far better than that in any part of Great Britain? As to the urgency of providing maternity beds in Glasgow, is it not a fact that 930 are needed and that 900 are provided? Is this not a great tribute to the work done for hospitals by the late Government?

Because it is better than elsewhere does not mean that it is good enough. The deficit in the Glasgow area by itself is estimated at about 70 beds, and we are making provision to meet that deficiency.