LAST week I mentioned the uninformative holding answer I received to "named day" parliamentary questions about the NHS deficits.

I have now had the definitive replies and they demonstrate the lack of openness of which this Government is so often guilty.

My question about the gross deficit has received an answer incomprehensibly relating to gross surpluses! My enquiry about the source of the £765 million borrowed to lessen the deficits was answered by telling me how the NHS has improved recently.

These are examples of incompetence or camouflage of the truth which damages the Government's reputation.

On a brighter note, delays in Criminal Record Bureau checks were brought to my notice with particular reference to delays in appointing a lollipop lady.

Following this I wrote to the relevant minister and we now know the targets the CRB must live up to for completing their checks and this approach brought the delay to an end and a satisfactory conclusion for the lollipop lady and her vital safety work. Thank you to those who brought this to my attention.

I have received several complaints about the lack of direct railway services from Kidderminster to New Street.

At a meeting with the Transport Minister last week I was impressed that he understood the local problem particularly for people travelling to New Street with luggage and for those who find the walk from Snow Hill or Moor Street difficult even without baggage.

It is unlikely that we will regain the direct service to New Street but the frequency of trains to Snow Hill is planned to improve and the necessity of better connections and facilities, including the lifts, at Smethwick Galton Bridge is recognised. There is a possibility of more direct destinations from this station. Also I was pleased that the minister was aware of the exciting Severn Valley Railway development of the Heritage Railway Centre at Highley.

Bewdley Carnival was a great success in glorious summer heat last weekend.

I was particularly impressed with the Scouts and Guides entries to the procession - a 78-leg caterpillar supporting the England World Cup team and a huge, three abreast, walking representation of the River Severn complete with the Severn Boar (sic!).

These were especially praiseworthy considering the almost prohibitive costs of insurance for juggernaut-born floats. Despite these, several enormous vehicles, generously provided by local firms, did take part accompanied by classic vehicles, dancers and three bands and as usual a fire service appliance whose crew sweltered in full protective gear.

Huge crowds lined the route and congregated on the field. A great day out for everyone!

I look forward to Kidderminster's carnival this Saturday and hope the weather is as kind.

Bewdley also celebrated achieving FairTrade Status with a tea party on Sunday afternoon.

The cakes provided were a tribute not only to Bewdley's cooks but also to the FairTrade ingredients.