Sir, The proposals for Withybush Hospital, which have proved so obviously unpopular with people throughout Pembrokeshire, need to be subject to proper and local democratic scrutiny and decision- making. That, however, seems unlikely to happen. The proposals have been produced by the Local Health Boards in response to a document prepared and issued by New Labour's Assembly Government in Cardiff. The members of the Health Boards are themselves, of course, appointees - appointed by the self-same Assembly Government. What confidence can we really have that they are ever going to come up with any proposal not to the liking of their masters? Despite the unpopularity of the proposals, the Local Health Boards have insisted that it is not for them to work up the third option, but for the Community Health Council - another appointed, rather than elected, body. Although we are convinced that the CHC will do its level best to produce an alternative proposal, it is our firm belief that it should be the responsibility of the professionals in the Health Boards and Trusts to come up with a revised proposal in the light of the public consultation. The fact that they are unwilling to do so undermines public confidence in the whole consultation process. How can we have any faith that they are listening if they are unwilling to produce an alternative proposal after hearing public feedback? In the circumstances, an informed public debate followed by a referendum is the only way of ensuring that public opinion is clearly expressed. We are, therefore, supporting the proposal for a referendum and calling on other parties and bodies to do likewise. It follows, of course, that we would expect the Assembly Government to take notice of the result.
John Dixon, Plaid Assembly candidate, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, John Osmond, Plaid Assembly candidate, Preseli/ Penfro. Nerys Evans, Plaid Assembly candidate, Mid and West Regional List.