SIR: I feel obliged to answer the question posed by Mr. Ryan (BEN August 20), why should we 'expect the Bolton people to vote Tory?'

The answer is simple. The Conservatives know how to run a modern economy which delivers wealth and jobs. Labour do not understand this process as shown by their record in local government. It is not just people in Bolton who have suffered under Labour run councils these last few decades but people living in Preston, Liverpool, Manchester, not to mention the London boroughs.

A wealth creating economy is crucial yet after 17 years in the political wilderness what do Labour have to say about this? Their key policy relates to constitutional reform and devolution of power to the regions. Do you know anyone who wants this?

Great Britain now exports more than Germany. We attract millions of pounds in inward investment. Foreign companies are locating their operations and head-quarters here. Last year French President Chirac saluted the 'wise, serious and reasonable management of the British economy'. The BMW Chairman described us as 'the most attractive country for producing cars'. Could you have said this before 1979? Of course not.

Paul Carter,

Conservative Party Prospective

Parliamentary Candidate

for Bolton SouthEast.

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