MOTHER'S " DAY OFF" Sta,—Now that the Government have issued
their White Papers on the proposed National Health Service it may be assumed that they will follow them shortly with detailed proposals on child-care, an important part of the same problem. Any such proposals must obviously include provision of both day and residential nurseries, including short-stay residential nurseries, for which the call in war-time has been so clear. Post-war needs, particularly in the reconstruction period, can hardly be less and may well be greater than during the war. We dare not repeat the tragic mistake which followed the last war, when so many nurseries were closed down.
One of the most urgent needs of the day is, I believe, some relief for the ordinary mother from her burdens. Nurseries can meet that need, and in particular provide that " day off " which other workers enjoy, and the absence of which has resulted in so many debilitated mothers, and so many debilitated children. It is indeed a considerable factor in the fall of the birthrate. So I hope that the Government's plans will include generous provision for nurseries, which are not only an essential element in any scheme of child-care, but something which is worthy of, and I have no doubt will receive, the close attention of the Royal Commission
on Population.—I am, Sir, yours obediently, C. H. NATHAN,
Chairman.
National Society of Children's Nurseries, 117 Piccadilly, W.I.
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