South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called on the Health Secretary to back plans for radiotherapy at Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal.
Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons, he asked Jeremy Hunt to confirm that the government would underwrite the capital costs of the plan - and to support the tariff uplift needed to sustain the unit.
Mr Farron secured an agreement from the Treasury to fund the £15 million project a year ago, and has described the present uncertainty surrounding the funding as “extremely frustrating”.
Mr Farron says Mr Hunt praised the recent improvements at the UHMBT and promised to looking into the funding for the unit.
Speaking after the debate on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Farron said: "I have long campaigned to bring these services to Kendal, and I will continue to do so. The Health Secretary has today promised to look into the funding, and I shall continue to put pressure on the government to bring this project to fruition.
“It is simply unacceptable that local residents have to travel so far to access these services. Local people deserve a firm commitment from the government that they will follow through on their promise to provide funding for radiotherapy in Kendal, so that those in rural areas have the same access to services as those elsewhere."