SIR: I have really began to question the competence of the MP for Bolton West, Mrs Ruth Kelly. I am not a member of any political party. My measure for judging the worth of an MP is attentiveness to issues raised from within the constituency, plus impact on the national political scene.

I wrote to my MP, Ms Kelly, in January, addressing some private worries on a government policy issue. The letter, which was constructively critical but not unsupportive, asked some very reasonable but direct questions.

After six weeks I sought and obtained confirmation from a secretary that the letter had been received. I have since waited patiently for a reply. Last month the MP was sent a reminder. Now we are in April, but still no response to my correspondence.

I have seen one of Mrs Kelly's recent letters to a Bolton West constituent. It appeared to bear a facsimile signature, copied with a rubber stamp. These are symptoms of someone who has not got their heart in the job, and I suspect in this case a predisposition towards personal interests and causes.

Trevor Roberts

The Woodlands

Lostock, Bolton

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