17. To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will visit Colchester to discuss the provision of health facilities at Colchester General Hospital. (85855)

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no immediate plans to visit Colchester general hospital. However, should the chair of the hospital board wish to invite a Minister to visit it would be given due consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer of 26 June 2006, Official Report, columns 221-2W, on Colchester general hospital, whether discussions have taken place with (a) the Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust and (b) the private sector partner since that date; and if she will make a statement. (86161)

To date no discussions have taken place between the Department, the Essex Rivers healthcare national health service trust and the former preferred private finance initiative bidder.