FOLLOWING publication of Mr Iqbal's letter (BEN, November 24) there has been quite a lot of criticism of myself in these columns, some based on misunderstandings, so I am writing to set the record straight.

When I was elected to Parliament on May 1, 1997, I believed that I was elected to represent all the electorate of the Bolton South East Constituency (more than 66,000, excluding all those under the age of 18 whose views I also take into account), and that's what I try to do, irrespective of people's politics, sex, race, or creed!

I have recognised the problem of illegal immigration, which I strongly condemn, and that's why I supported the Immigration and Asylum Bill, now an Act of Parliament, which is beginning to have some effect.

However, I believe that all British citizens do have a right to receive visitors from the country of origin of their parents or grandparents. I have helped many people to acquire visitor's visas, and all have returned home to their countries of origin after visiting their relatives here in Bolton. I believe that it is a basic human right for parents and grandparents (and other relatives too) to come to Britain to see their loved ones who live here. Some are seeing their grandchildren for the first time! If I am being criticised for that, so be it.

It costs quite a bit of money to apply for a visitor's visa, in travel to the Entry Clearance Post, overnight accommodation, and the cost of the visa itself. Quite a number of people have to make multiple applications before they are successful. The relatives of one of my constituents made seven applications before a visa was granted with my help.

The Tory Government abolished the right of appeal against refusals to grant these visitor's visas. Therefore, I was pleased when my Government re-introduced the right of appeal, but I did complain when The Lord Chancellor's Department decided to charge £500 or £150 (a fortune in India) for an oral or written appeal to be considered, when appeals had been free under the Tories. All other appeals against Government decisions in the social policy area, eg benefit appeals, are free.

I have dealt with a much smaller number of asylum seekers who have been dispersed to Bolton by the Government. It is not for me to judge whether these people can stay in Britain or not, and the Government has speeded up processing their asylum applications.

However, in one or two cases, it has been clear to me that some of those who have approached me for help would be condemned to death should they return home, eg Iraqis who have politically opposed Sadam Hussain's regime. They did exactly what the British Government is encouraging the Iraqi people to do!

Hacked

Neither would I want a woman and her daughter, who I have helped, to return home to a distant part of the world where they witnessed loved ones being hacked to death by a machete. I could cite more examples where compassion is needed.

In response to 'Fed up Pensioner' (BEN, December 6), I have campaigned hard for pensioners to receive better pensions, even to the extent of voting against my own Government when the 75p increase on the basic pension was introduced. I will continue to represent the interests of pensioners. The Government has made more money available to The Royal Bolton Hospital to provide better cleaning and also better food.

And, in response to Joan Fitton (BEN, December 5), I have been promised by Bolton Metro that they are considering providing better toilet provision for shoppers in Farnworth, but this is a local government and not a national government decision.

Dr Brian Iddon

MP for Bolton South East