To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times the midwife-led birth unit at Gloucestershire Royal hospital has been closed in (a) 2005 and (b) 2006. (76077)

This is a matter for the Chair of Gloucestershire National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Dame Janet Trotter informing her of your enquiry. A copy of her reply will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what grounds it has been decided to propose Stroud Maternity Unit for closure; and what account she has taken of the new payments by results system in making that decision. (76083)

Within the framework of the NHS Plan and other national policy documents, it is for local health economies to plan, develop and deliver local services. Decisions on the range of services to be made available or closed in local areas are prioritised and led by local trusts.

Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority has advised officials that a full consultation on health services in Gloucestershire will run from June 12 to 4 September.