17. To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on her decision to refer maternity and paediatric services in Teesside to the independent reconfiguration panel. (103783)

The Secretary of State for Health requested the advice of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel on 22 September 2006 in relation to referrals from local Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

The Independent Reconfiguration Panel will report to the Secretary of State for Health no later than 18 December 2006.