Letters: Forced upon us

We are dismayed and angry that another piece of unnecessary and ill-conceived legislation is being forced upon us. We have no problems with much of the code of conduct, indeed we already abide by most of it. However, we do object to the requirement that we should enter on a public register, the details of our financial holdings and our membership of all of the organisations that we belong to. As we already declare interests at meetings, we feel that this is unnecessary, unwise and, in some circumstances, could be dangerous.

There can be no doubt that once these registers exist, they will be accessed by individuals and organisations for a variety of reasons, some of them malicious. Revealing details of financial holdings could well attract the attentions of criminals, inviting burglary or worse.

Any parish councillor declaring membership of a hunt could be targeted by hunt saboteurs.

Revealing shareholdings in legal, commercial firms such as Huntingdon Life Sciences would almost certainly invite the attentions of animal rights activists. Even though the threat from Sinn Fein/IRA is currently low, their temporarily detached splinter groups, such as the Continuity/Real IRA are still active. Councillors declaring membership of ex-Service or Reserve Service organisations could also be put at risk. Terrorist organisations routinely compile and update lists of potential targets, especially soft options.

Not too long ago even the use of military titles on letters was considered a security risk.

Mr Strong's remarks, as reported in your newspaper, seem to indicate that the YLCA is considering advising their members to be selective in what they declare on the code's registers. I trust that this is not the case as this would be dishonest.

While recent events have shown that some ministers and MPs have been less than scrupulous in declaring interests and income, should members of this parish council decide to sign up to this code of conduct, I am confident that they will abide by the letter of it. To do otherwise would be dishonest.

COUN K W T NOYES

Chairman,

Aiskew Parish Council.

Positively good

Sir, - The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton has had some unfortunate press coverage in recent years and I feel it is time to redress the balance, because I think we are very lucky to have a hospital of this quality on our doorstep. All too often the press concentrate on the negative news, whereas my experience has been quite the opposite.

I have recently undergone major surgery in the Friarage and I have nothing but praise for the service I received. From the counselling and advice I received beforehand to the actual operation and post operative care they were wonderful. The staff were kindness itself, and nothing was too much bother for them. Above all they were always cheerful, however busy they were, and this makes all the difference to the patients.

As a former member of the nursing profession I can say that I was most impressed with the standard of care I received, and believe that the staff at the Friarage deserve to be congratulated on their achievements.

MRS M M FLINTOFF

11 Moorside Drive,

Richmond.

Celebrations

Sir, - By way of celebrating the Queen's golden jubilee, the Romanby Charities Committee proposes to hold its annual gala day in an extended form this year. Friday, May 31, will involve a children's disco; on Saturday, June 1, there will be a barbecue while on Sunday, June 2, there will be a grand gala day. Romanby Parish Council has undertaken to give financial and practical support to join together to make this a happy village occasion for both young and old.

COUN D PARKIN

Chairman,

Romanby Parish Council.

Beyond belief

Sir, - At the risk of making too medical a metaphor, the dilemma facing parents over the MMR vaccines is merely the symptom of a deeper and more serious disease. That disease is called "not being able to believe the Government".

Until recently we, the public, have been able to accept that the Government of the day, of whatever colour, would tell us, broadly, the truth except in matters of obvious national security. We could accept that on certain issues their overt political viewpoint would impart an element of bias. Perfectly OK in a democracy.

Lately though, things have changed. Every piece of information coming out of Central Government is crafted with some sort of slant. We have now come to accept that there is no balance in the information we receive and we, very logically, form the opinion that we can't trust anything the Government tells us.

Now, in relation to MMR, it might be a relatively minor matter, because of the two alternative courses of action open to them both give adequate protection. But what happens next time we need to believe them?

If the Labour Party tells us that it has won the next election, will we believe them? This is exactly the situation that pertains in certain African countries and, don't laugh, it could happen here all too easily.

RUSSELL SMITH

3 Mill Hill Crescent,

Northallerton.