To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assistance his Department has provided to NHS Peterborough to reduce their budget deficit for 2010-11; and if he will make a statement. (317360)

The Department has not provided any financial support to Peterborough Primary Care Trust (PCT) to reduce its forecast deficit. The PCT held an extraordinary board meeting on 3 February where the Month 9 forecast deficit was reported as £9.8 million.

The East of England Strategic Health Authority (SHA) reports that it has agreed a robust recovery plan with the PCT and is closely monitoring progress against the agreed plan. The Department will work with the SHA to ensure that the PCT returns to financial balance.