Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 10 March 2010 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: In view of the answer that the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) a few moments ago, could he say why, when stillbirths are running at more than 3,600, and deaths of children in the first seven days of life are running at more than 1,700, he has yet to implement the recommendations of the neonatal taskforce that reported to the Government last year?

Answer: I do know a lot about this issue, and I know about the problems that arise. I know that there are issues affecting health inequalities, as well as issues of medicine involved, and I assure the right hon. Lady that we are doing everything we can to reduce the number of infant deaths and to ensure, as I said to my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) earlier, that mothers too are safe in childbirth. I can assure the right hon. Lady that we will do everything that we can.

Secondary information