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Women, Justice and Gender Equality

I am glad that the Under-Secretary has pointed that out. It makes me remember going to teenage school parties when somebody would say, ““Oh look, there’s a boy.”” I welcome the hon. Gentleman, but since he was not present for the earlier exchange, he may wonder why I am so pleased to see him. Let us leave that aside. Let us consider how much has been achieved in women’s health and the emphasis that has been placed on it. Choice in maternity services is especially important. However, it is sad that the Government, having achieved considerable progress on the matter, now choose to close maternity hospitals. Services are being taken out of the community at a time when the Government purport to encourage us all not to use cars or travel unnecessary distances. Yet they have a programme of hospital closures. The choice that has been achieved is now being gradually taken away.