SIR: The Tories cannot be trusted with the economy, with our schools, the NHS and above all with our taxes. Twenty two Tory taxes mean that a typical family has already paid over £2000 in extra tax since the last election. However, most frightening of all are their plans to extend the scope of VAT -and they make no secret of it.

If they get in again they will put VAT on food, which would mean an extra £10.50 a week on the average shopping bill. Before the last four elections, the Tories were challenged on VAT rises and each time accused the Labour Party of scaremongering. Yet as soon as they gained power, they put up VAT.

In 1979, Geoffrey Howe promised: "We have no plans to extend the scope of VAT", and then doubled it. In 1992, John Major promised: "We have no plans and no need to extend the scope of VAT", and then put it on fuel. Now Kenneth Clarke has said it has never crossed his mind to put VAT on food. Do you believe him?

You can't trust the Tories on VAT. Next time they will stop at nothing.

B Hindle,

Lovat Road, Bolton.

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