REGARDING Peter Johnson's letter "Sceptics still soldering on over Europe", about being forced to drive on the right, which the Europeans would love us to do. This did happen in Sweden in 1967. Of course, the traffic population would have been much smaller, but this did cause accidents. I cannot remember if the Swedes did this voluntarily, and would welcome confirmation of this.

Regarding conscription. If my memory serves me right, there had been whispers of its re-introduction around 1970. Again, confirmation would be welcome. Personally, I wouldn't have had any fear of it as I'd most likely have failed the medical. I know, for certain, conscription was still in force in Germany 30 years ago.

As I still have a soft spot for the nation's youth, I would not like this foisted upon them. I do know that regular soldiers weren't too keen on serving with National Service men.

All this boils down to, why should we accept anything regressive from Europe? As has been proved in Ireland, the euro will cause inflation and, likely, more unemployment -- a double-edged sword.

B Howarth

Alexandria Drive, Westhoughton