06/07/05

However, I suspect that there's a more sinister reason behind the bureaucrats' thinking.

The Government wants to raise the public sector retiring age to 70, partly because of a lack of young people and partly to avoid having to raise taxes on all of us to pay for its index linked pensions.

The idea that healthy older people actually want to continue working does not fit easily with the bureaucrats' opposition to the Government's proposals, so Lena Morrison's aspirations must be sacrificed for the sake of solidarity. I myself continue to run an Anglo-German marketing consultancy in my seventies, so I wish Lena all the success in her struggle. - Julian Phillips, Billingham.

EUROPEAN UNION

UNFORTUNATELY, there is little or no chance of the "gang" booting Britain out of the EU - we are too important and it still wishes to see England divided into regional assemblies and for us to join the euro.

Britain is very successful in creating a healthy environment for inward investment which is worth billions and, of course, jobs, something sadly missing in mainland Europe.

Sterling is a stable major currency and, as the rest of Europe and the euro continues to sink, your money will continue to be desirable in propping up a lame duck.

The euro will weaken further as weaker nations join the EU. Britain exports more to non-EU countries and the EU needs us to buy its goods.

We do not need membership of this expensive superstate nor its control of our financial affairs. If we were to lose control of our financial affairs we lose everything this nation has stood for.

I am not convinced that the current row between Blair and Chirac is any more than "pure theatre". Mr Blair, in a recent interview, said: "I have always been a passionate pro-European." Has he forgotten in 1982 he advocated that he would negotiate withdrawal from the EC? - John Waiting, Guisborough.

AFRICAN PLIGHT

REGARDING the suggestion that Africans were better off under colonisation. Does that mean that it was right for European civil servants to draw nice straight lines on maps to decide boundaries of countries regardless of tribal realities on their ground?

Surely that is where many of the problems in Africa began? Then there is the slight matter of the exploitation of mineral and human resources of Africa by the colonial powers. Was it really a coincidence that the only railway in many African countries for many years was from the main port to either a mine or a plantation?

Mugabe is a monster and African leaders should be speaking out. But wasn't he a monster created in part by the racist policies of Ian Smith which have allowed him to think he can justifiably commit the crimes he commits? And there are success stories among African governments too.

Surely the biggest problem for Africa is the unfair trade system which sees heavily subsidised American and European agriculture leaving farmers in countries like Mali working for a dollar a day.

That's 68p a day. No wonder so many good people feel so strongly that change has to take place while an African child dies every three seconds. - Peter Sagar, Newcastle.

EYES RIGHT

LAST year, the Army in York opened the gates of Imphal Barracks in Fulford Road to the public so that everyone in the community could enjoy an open day.

It proved to be a great success in spite of the rain, and many hundreds of people from all over Yorkshire and the North-East attended.

This year we are opening the gates once again. It is not often that many of the equipment displays and other attractions come to York and there will be something for all ages.

Yorkshire's soldiers, from the Regular and Territorial Army, and the cadets from the Army Cadet Force invite you to join them for the Army in York Open Day on Saturday, July 16.

We promise you a fun packed day for all the family, whether it is watching daring Army stunt riders and free-fall parachutists, cooking with the Army chefs, relaxing to military bands or the delight of traditional Nepalese dancing. Children, in particular, will enjoy the many funny and thrilling treats in store.

More importantly, it is a chance for you all to meet and talk to your local soldiers. The Chief of the General Staff's briefing team will also give a series of presentations during the day about the role of the Army today and how we fit into society. This is a rare opportunity. To reserve a place at one of these briefings please ring (01904) 662407.

The gates are open from 11am-4pm. We are on the A19 Fulford Road into York. Car parking is available or you can take the Park & Ride from the Designer Outlet on the A64. - Major Richard Hayhurst, Chief of Staff, 15 (North East) Brigade, Imphal Barracks, York.

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY

AT the risk of attracting further malicious and inaccurate personal abuse from certain anti-democratic individuals, I must complain about your report on the North East Regional Assembly (Echo, July 1) which, unusually, I found biased and ill-informed.

The assembly is no different from many public organisations in seeking to establish a proper legal status to protect staff and members. The assembly has always been "open and transparent" and all 73 members give their services free.

All the region's 25 local authorities elect members to the assembly, as do business organisations, trade unions, churches and other voluntary bodies, including town and parish councils. The region's MPs and MEPs are also represented. The assembly is the only organisation representing all the region's communities. It is the North-East's democratic voice.

The indirectly-elected assembly is the only regional body which has the power to call to account OneNorth-East, the region's biggest and most powerful quango. Our discussions and decisions are open to public and Press, and always have been.

If the assembly were to be abolished, these powers would no longer be open to public scrutiny but would revert to decision-making behind closed doors.

Local councils, in particular, would lose the only route they have to directly influence regional policy.

Mr Heron is just one individual who is entitled to his opinion, however mistaken. For the Echo to give Heron more coverage for his wholly negative views than a democratic body which represents the whole of the region, is a travesty. - Councillor Chris Foote-Wood, Liberal Democrat leader and vice-chair, North East Assembly.