Mr. Williams is understood to have been transferred from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to Agape House over the weekend.

The Progressive Labour Party's Shadow Environment Minister announced only last week that he would not be contesting the next General Election with running mate -- party leader Jennifer Smith -- in St. George's North.

Mr. Williams -- who has been in hospital for months -- told Ms Smith in a letter that he "reluctantly had to face the reality'' that he would not be fit to fight another election, which is likely to be held in the autumn.

Acting Shadow Environment Minister Ottiwell Simmons said he was unaware of the development.

But he said: "We are all very concerned about his health.'' Mr. Williams -- whose illness has not been disclosed -- missed much of the last Parliamentary session through illness.