HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 c221W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many whole-time equivalent midwives worked in the NHS in 2001–02; and how many registered midwives worked in the NHS in 2001–02. [127520]

Mr. Hutton

The non-medical work force census as at 30 September 2001, the mid-point of 2001–02, shows that 18,048 whole-time equivalent midwives and 23,075 midwives (headcount) were working in the national health service.

Dr. Evan Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the ratio of midwives in post to the total number of births was in(a) England and (b) each NHS maternity unit in each year since 1996–97. [128154]

Mr. Hutton

Information on the ratio of midwives to number of deliveries in England and by health authority area for each year between 1996–97 and 2001–02 has been placed in the Library. Reliable information by maternity unit or organisation is not available.