HC Deb 18 January 2002 vol 378 cc526-7W
Mr. Pollard

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of midwife-led birthing units for low risk births; and if he will make a statement. [12008]

Yvette Cooper

There are a number of different ways of providing good quality woman-centred midwifery care including care in midwife-led birthing units for low risk births. It is a matter for local health authorities and national health service trusts to decide on the pattern of service provision taking into account the needs of local people, evidence of effectiveness and available resources. The Maternity Workforce Group is looking at alternative models of care.