§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many midwives are currently in post in each of the health districts within the south-east Thames health region.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe latest information held centrally reflects the position at 30 September 1990 and is currently being validated. Figures are expected to be available in six weeks and I will write to my hon. Friend at that time.
§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many students are currently training as midwives in England; and what proportion are men;
(2) how many places are available in England for direct entry midwifery students for the coming year.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyProvisional information from the English National Board for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting is that on 31 March 1991 there were 3,243 students training as midwives in England, including 24 men. The board's current estimate is that 147 places for pre-registration—clirect entry—midwifery students will be available in England in the 1991–92 financial year.