SIR: "Socialism is the perfect political philosophy -pity about human nature". Paraphrased, that is what the then Tory Transport Minister Ernest Marples said many decades ago. Even with the advent of the so-called New Labour, as we hear of the system being abused and milked left, right and centre, you realise there was more than a modicum of truth in his profound comment. The selected opponent for Labour on Bolton North West would do well to remember that.

Heralded as a high flier (BEN last month), she may also do well to remember the Icarus legend.

Furthermore, I have to say, as an ex-airman, I have seen many high-fliers brought to earth with a bump. It was scurrilous of the young lady to accuse Tom Sackville of neglecting his territory; a criticism she should level at some members of BMBC. How can someone who campaigns strongly against the evil of the drugs problem be considered neglectful? It is nefarious to even suggest it and the height of political incorrectness. The Tom Sackville I know is a gentleman and a Christian one at that. Tony Blair please note.

Trevor T Mellows,

Hughes Avenue,Horwich.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.