MP Virginia Bottomley has branded the government's approach to health care in the area as "inexcusable", hitting out at an evasive response to her inquiry into under-funding of Farnham's Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

She had written to the department of heath requesting an explanation as to why the hospice received only 17 percent of its funds from West Surrey Health Authority, when the national average is double this amount.

She branded the letter she received from junior health minister Yvette Cooper as "pathetic" and now plans to approach the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn, on the issue.

The junior minister's letter promised that spending on "palliative care" for the terminally ill, such as those with cancer, would increase by £50 million by 2004, but made no specific mention of what would happen to Phyllis Tuckwell.

Speaking on the letter she said: "Yvette Cooper has totally ignored the question, it is hard to believe she even glanced at it. This is a standard letter sent to all MP's regardless of the query.

"All she has delivered is Labour Party propaganda from the word processor."

Her sentiments were shared by the hospice, who are dismayed at the level of funding they receive from government.

Allan Smith, Chairman of the trustees of Phyllis Tuckwell said that he was "delighted" that Mrs. Bottomley was "fighting their corner", and that they needed support at that level in order to properly address the issue of under-funding.

He felt frustrated they were not receiving adequate financial support, and regarded the junior health minister's letter to Mrs Bottomley as "wishy washy" and not responding to the issue properly.

"Having read Yvette Cooper's letter, I suggest that our hospice is already providing all the services she says we have to create in order that we receive any more money," said Mr Smith.

He added that they had recently significantly increased their services to patients, including those who receive home-care treatment.

He stated that they "struggled" to raise the £2.5 million to keep the hospice operational each year, resorting to "rattling tins" to gain funds, as they receive only £400,000 from West Surrey Health Authority.

"We do a wonderful job at the hospice, and are grateful to all those who have given their support and those who have sponsored us, which has been very helpful," he added.

Mrs Bottomley vowed to continue her support for the hospice.

She said: "I shall do all I can to champion their cause and the magnificent work they achieve, wherever and whenever possible."