SIR: In 1989 the Conservative Party's European manifesto contained the promise to retain zero rating of VAT on domestic fuel and power as well as on food. Despite this pledge the low-waged and the elderly of Bolton are being made to suffer from the imposition of VAT on fuel making the costs of keeping warm too high during this cold winter. And what advice the old people do receive is largely from the 'true-blue' Tory Thora Hird to wrap up warm. After breaking their promise on fuel the government cannot be trusted to keep the other part of the same pledge to retain zero-rating on food; and what advice will the government offer to people who cannot afford to eat properly? Will we be asked to eat less or switch off the overly expensive heating?

Michael Ord, Elmwood Close, Over Hulton

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