Sir, Three apparently unconnected stories caught my eye this week. Firstly, it seems that the Labour Assembly Government has decided to issue new guidelines to Local Health Boards, which they are directed to consider before coming up with revised proposals on hospital re-organisation. Secondly, the Labour Assembly Health Minister has intervened directly in the debate about neurosurgery (Health Commission Wales were proposing to move all services from Swansea to Cardiff) to instruct Health Commission Wales to consider additional factors before coming to a conclusion. Thirdly, the local Labour Assembly member has asked the Health Minister to direct the LHB not to close the beds at Tenby Cottage Hospital. But, hold on, aren't these the same Labour politicians who told us only a few months ago that the Minister could not intervene in decisions of the local trusts and boards? If they are correct to intervene now, why was it not possible a few months ago, when the proposals to downgrade or close Withybush could have been stopped in their tracks without needing a massive public campaign against them? Plaid have argued all along that the Labour Assembly Government should accept its responsibility and give more direction to the trusts and boards, and all these interventions or proposed interventions are therefore welcome, if overdue. I very much hope, however, that the interventions will lead to real changes in the decisions, and not just a convenient delay until after the Assembly elections next May.

John Dixon, Plaid Assembly Candidate, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire,

Maesglyn, Ffordd Alltwalis, Llanpumsaint, Caerfyrddin.