To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons primary care trusts in the East of England have been instructed to suspend procurement; and when they will be allowed to restart procurement. (321545)

All primary care trusts (PCTs) including those in the East of England are required to review their plans for future provision of community services under a new assurance and approval process, as set out in guidance published 5 February.¹ A copy has already been placed in the Library.

¹ Transforming Community Services: The assurance and approval process for PCT-provided community services (Department of Health, February 2010)