asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment has been made of birth rate trends in London, including the proportion of premature births; and what provision (a) exists, and (b) is planned for improving access to treatment for premature births.[HL509]

It is for primary care trusts and specialised service commissioners to assess the current and likely future health needs of premature babies in their local area and commission appropriate services to meet those needs.

There has been additional investment in neonatal care over the last few years. In London, five neonatal managed clinical networks have been established to provide safe and effective services for mothers and babies. This investment has also helped increase capacity, with the opening of 77 additional neonatal intensive care cots since 2002, and establish a neonatal transfer service.