WEST Devon MP Geoffrey Cox has challenged the Government to justify the proposal to close the National Blood Service Unit at Derriford Hospital. Condemning policies which he says have drained rural areas of the vital services Mr Cox said: ?Once again the Government has shown that its rhetoric on localism and community services is not being supported by its actions. ?Proposals to create ?super centres? for blood processing are just the latest in a series of measures that have drawn vital services away from the south west,? he said. The Government had refused to recognise the additional costs associated with providing health care in rural areas, he said. In a parlimentary question to the Health Secretary the MP has called on the Government to confirm or deny rumours that blood centres in Plymouth, Southampton and Birmingham are being amalgamated and to publish details of the cost/benefit analysis that has prompted the proposed restructuring and to explain how they will ensure that standards of service are maintained.?