To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the antenatal (i) services and (ii) procedures provided to pregnant women in different primary care trust areas. (179766)

The Department commissioned the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to produce a comprehensive suite of evidence-based guidelines on pregnancy and birth, including one on antenatal care issued in 2003. This is currently being revised and is expected to be published in March 2008.