To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to page 16 of the NHS Operating Framework for 2009-10, what mechanisms there are to ensure that primary care trusts spend an additional £330 million on maternity services over the specified period. (248443)

The £330 million announced for Maternity Matters covers three years, 2008-09 to 2010-11 and is being included within primary care trust (PCT) revenue allocations.

Increases in the maternity services tariff in 2008-09 and planned for 2009-10 will increase the flow of funds for each episode of maternity care. PCTs will also be developing and investing in local plans to deliver the improvements set out in the NHS Operating Framework.