Health Minister Nelson Bascome stepped down from Government today to fight a possible court case.

It is understood a file has been passed by Police to the Department of Public Prosecutions, relating to Mr. Bascome's maintenance business during his first spell as Health Minister from 1998 to 2003.

At a brief press conference Mr. Bascome said Premier Ewart Brown had granted him a leave of absence.

Attorney General Phil Perinchief has stepped in as Health Minister although it was unclear how long the arrangement would last.

Mr. Bascome said: "Last year you may recall a story was reported in a local newspaper regarding an investigation into my personal business of which I am the only financial backer.

"It is clear to me although this is a private and personal business matter there are some persons intent on using this as a means to discredit me and this Government politically.

"Leaks of information notwithstanding I simply cannot allow the success of this Government's programme to be clouded by a personal matter.

"In the coming days I shall request through my Attorney, the Department of Public Prosecutions attend to matters related to this investigation quickly so that I can put it behind me and resume my act of service for the people of Bermuda as a minister of this Government."

Saying the matters were "sensitive" he declined to take further questions while Premier Brown who described Mr. Bascome's decision as "courageous" also refused to comment further.

*See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for full story.