The size of my postbag is a good indicator of what is worrying people in South Norfolk and I have had more than 100 letters about possible job losses and financial difficulties at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Recently I met the chief executive and the finance director of the hospital for an update. I then joined other Norfolk MPs in a meeting with the health secretary to put the case for the hospital.

The N&N faces extra costs from being an early PFI hospital and also suffers unfairly from a formula which the Government uses to pay hospitals in different parts of the country. The minister agreed to examine this formula so there may be some hope. I will continue to press the Government at every opportunity on this issue.

LATE PAYMENTS TO FARMERS

South Norfolk farmers are among those suffering from the Government's incompetence in distributing the new Single Farm Payment.

Even though part payments are now being made, farmers are still under a great deal of financial pressure. Last year alone, farm incomes fell by one tenth. If the Government fails to make full payment by the EU's end-of-June deadline there will be fines, which would have to be paid by British taxpayers.

The delay in sending out 2006 payment forms is causing farmers further worry. You can't fill out a form if it hasn't been sent to you.

The announcement that claim forms submitted by May 31,will not incur penalties is of little comfort.

Completing these complicated forms takes time. I have written to the farming minister asking what more the Government will do to help our farmers.

USING OUR WASTE

I was very impressed with progress at the Norfolk Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) plant on my recent visit.

Production has doubled in the last two years, with the plant processing plastics, aluminium, paper and tin cans.
NEWS also extracts naturally-produced methane gas from the 35 acre landfill site nearby.

The gas drives turbines which generate enough electricity to power up to 3,000 homes via the national grid. This will increase to around 4,000 homes once the landfill is complete.

The site will then revert to light agricultural use or wildlife habitat. Remarkably, it will continue to provide electricity for the next 18 to 20 years.

I am pleased that South Norfolk's waste is being put to such good use.