A story in yesterday's paper erroneously reported St. George's North MP, Leon (Jimmy) Williams, left the Island for emergency treatment last Friday. Mr.

Williams yesterday insisted that, despite claims by the media and his PLP colleague Nelson Bascome, he has not left Bermuda since the week before Christmas when he travelled abroad for personal reasons. However, Mr. Williams admitted that he was receiving treatment locally for "serious back problems'' and was recovering from the flu at a friend's house.

Mystery last night surrounded the whereabouts of Opposition MP Leon (Jimmy) Williams after he was taken seriously ill last week.

Mr. Williams, MP for St. George's North since the last election, was flown off the Island for emergency treatment last Friday with an undisclosed illness.

But last night Progressive Labour Party leaders seemed unaware that the St.

George's North MP had even left the Island.

And although it has been confirmed that Mr. Williams is ill, the nature of his illness and his exact condition have not been revealed. Nor is it known which hospital he has been taken to.

Last night PLP colleague Nelson Bascome confirmed that Mr. Williams had been hospitalised overseas.

"I just know that they flew him out but I don't know what condition he's in,'' Mr. Bascome said.

"I know it was some time last week. I will be checking with Jennifer Smith on his condition tomorrow.'' And Deputy Leader Eugene Cox also refused to comment on the matter, saying: "This is all news to me -- I thought he was in his shop today.'' Corporation of St. George's secretary Larry Jacobs also claimed he was unaware that Mr. Williams had left Bermuda.

"I saw him just last Wednesday and he wasn't looking very well -- he looked a little weak,'' Mr. Jacobs said.

"I also saw him late last week but I didn't know he had been taken off the Island.'' The party's press officer, Mr. Michael Scott, was also remaining tight-lipped about Mr. Williams' condition.

"I haven't been able to speak to the leader but I have received a message that he is undergoing some medical procedures and that his health is being monitored,'' Mr. Scott said.