asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have now considered proposals concerning the future of radiotherapy services at Southend Hospital; and when they expect to make a decision.

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State expects to make an announcement on these proposals very soon.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many beds and operating theatres in NHS hospitals have been closed, temporarily or permanently, in the current financial year.

Information on temporary closures is not collected centrally. Information about permanent closures in the current financial year is not yet available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the relevant paragraph of the code of practice of the National Union of Journalists is consistent with Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

It is neither possible nor appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to say whether the two are consistent; but if there is any inconsistency between the code and the Act the latter must prevail. It is a matter for the courts to decide, in a particular case, whether or not a journalist who refuses to disclose a source of information is protected by Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.