To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether (a) strategic health authorities, (b) primary care trusts and (c) hospitals hold the home addresses of expectant mothers; and what account is taken of such information when planning the optimum location of birthing facilities. (106007)

Strategic health authorities and primary care trusts do not hold the home addresses of expectant mothers. National health service trusts hold the names and addresses of expectant mothers who have booked with their maternity services. It is for local primary care trusts and NHS maternity care providers to determine the optimum location of birthing facilities. Since January 2003, NHS organisations have had a duty to involve and consult patients, the public and their representatives in the planning and development of services, and to consult them on changes to the operation of services.