To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether her Department has had discussions with NHS trusts in Cumbria on moving towards a health-managed network; and if she will make a statement. (112482)

[holding answer 30 January 2007]: The Board of Cumbria primary care trust agreed on 17 January 2007 to set up a health managed network to develop and redesign services in Cumbria. This will bring together commissioners, service providers and patients to plan, deliver and commission redesigned hospital and community services across Cumbria. The health managed network is supported by NHS North West. The Department was not involved in discussions about the creation of this network.