I turn to the question of independent midwives. The noble Baroness, Lady Cumberlege, knows that I am concerned about this situation. She is a little unfair to the Chief Nursing Officer. There is no reason why the CNO , who is as exercised as I am about this and is involved in a lot of discussions, needs to be accompanied by representatives of the independent midwives to every meeting. I would be happy to meet the noble Baroness and the association to discuss the issues further. I am concerned about the situation, but there is no easy answer. However,I would be happy to take it forward. The noble Baroness knows my views in this area. I do not want to see the practice of independent midwives inhibited in any way, but it is a difficult issue.

From Lord's Hansard text for 1 May 07