NUM ASSETS

I TOTALLY disagree with North Durham MP Kevan Jones in his attack on the Durham branch of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) when its assets were revealed in Parliament (Echo, May 24).

The union has helped lots of former miners obtain compensation, and I know that in one case, David Hopper (branch general secretary) personally visited an ex-miner on a Sunday and assisted him with his claim.

When I was leader of Chester-le-Street District Council, I found both Mr Hopper and David Guy (branch president) extremely helpful when I needed their involvement.

I am proud to be a former member of the NUM and urge both David Hopper and David Guy not to be distracted by Mr Jones, who seems to revel in criticising those involved in the Labour and trade union movement. And there was me thinking he is a Labour MP. - Malcolm Pratt, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham.