MP in hospital for cancer surgery

Northland MP John Carter has been diagnosed with cancer and will spend six weeks away from Parliament so he can have surgery and recover.

Mr Carter, National's local government and civil defence spokesman, was recently diagnosed with an early, isolated case of bowel cancer, National said today in a statement.

Mr Carter said the prognosis was good and he did not expect to be away from Parliament for more than six weeks.

He said that during his absence constituents should contact his electorate office so any urgent cases could be forwarded to colleagues in Parliament.

He will be treated at Wellington's Wakefield Hospital.

- NZPA