THE PAYMENT of £209 per week by the DSS to a person described as a "suspected terrorist" in Mr John Higson's letter could have racial undertones.

To clear this payment's validity I'm sure our Bolton MPs can ask the DSS for details of this weekly award. Has the recipient special needs? Is he an invalid, has to have special food etc?

If they found his entitlement to be correct, that would answer the questions being asked and calm matters down. If some irregularity was discovered, then the MPs could pursue the matter through the appropriate Westminster channels.

I am an interested party and recently on my 80th birthday received an extra generous 25p on my pension. I find I am still 90 per cent down on the £209 quoted earlier.

John S L Evans

Howard Ave

Deane, Bolton