To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on his powers in relation to the decision of the former North Thames Regional Health Authority to retain a cancer centre at Colchester, and to build a new centre of excellence in the town, and the role of the Eastern Region Health Authority; [82219](2) what discussions his Department has held over the possible transfer of the cancer centre in Colchester to Ipswich. [82218]

No decision was made by the former North Thames Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive to designate Colchester General Hospital as a cancer centre or to approve a capital investment programme.Prior to receipt of any proposed business case, the Eastern Regional Office of the NHS Executive, in agreement with all interested parties, is conducting a review of cancer services across Suffolk and North Essex to determine the most appropriate way in which cancer services can be provided to local people.