Midwives: Manpower

Mr. Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many midwives left the profession in the last three years for which figures are available. [127549]

Ms Rosie Winterton: This information is not collected centrally.

Mr. Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the number of independent midwives who are likely to leave the profession as a result of the new rules requiring professional indemnity insurance. [127550]

Ms Rosie Winterton: No estimate has been made centrally. All registered health care professionals will be required to have professional indemnity insurance to protect the public in the event of a claim for negligence. While it is important to consider independent midwives, especially in relation to extended choice and diversity of provision, it cannot be at the cost of the protection of the woman.

(26^th March 2007)