Letters

ONCE again we hear of new evidence of a possible link between power lines and leukemia (Echo, Mar 5).

I hope that the new report will make clear the part different factors play in causing leukemia and other cancers. In the unlikely event that power lines are found to be a major factor, then the new Enron power line from Teesside to York should certainly not be built, but also, existing power lines over suburban areas should be demolished forthwith. If power lines are only a minor contributory factor, then the precautionary principle should apply and it might be safer to tolerate new lines in relatively remote rural areas, in order to remove them from well-populated suburban areas.

May I remind everyone that, when the controversial new power line is eventually built, it will allow the removal of an existing line which passes close to, and in several cases directly over, the homes of residents of Egglescliffe ward whom I represent, as well as over other parts of Stockton. - Councillor Jeremy Atkinson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

FOOD POLICIES

TONY Blair's recent comments correlating the plight of farmers and cheap food in supermarkets simplified and neglected some serious concerns about food, poverty, health, and the food production chain.

I commend his efforts to re-examine the structure of the food system. However, there is clear evidence that families living in poverty in Britain are suffering higher rates of major health problems, such as cancer and coronary heart disease.

Although most people are aware of the benefits of good nutrition, families living on a low income face many barriers to meeting their basic food needs because healthier food options are often too expensive, especially when weighed against the more concrete expenses of rent and utility bills.

A simple equation between cheap food and the plight of farmers cannot be made when there are so many other players in the food chain who add to the cost of good production.

A simplified approach to the food system is particularly worrying when the obvious alternative to cheap food (ie raising the price of food) would increase the disadvantages of the many low-income consumers across the country. I agree with Mr Blair when he calls for a re-examination of the food system. Perhaps we should consider supporting locally diverse and sustainable food production.

Most definitely we should remember that access to food - as stated by the Rome Declaration on World Food Security - is a basic human right. - Erika O'Hara, Durham.

COUNCIL TAX

I SHARE Mr Peacock's outrage regarding Darlington Borough Council's proposal to increase council tax by 12.5 per cent this year (HAS, Feb 28).

Where on earth does the council think the residents of this town are going to find the extra money needed to pay this tax? Does it not realise that most employees are unlikely to see much more than a three per cent increase in pay this year?

What is more galling is the fact that the council does not even need all this money; it is putting it aside for a rainy day. - C Truran, Darlington.

THE ECU

OUR manufacturing industry today is allegedly suffering because of the strong pound. A logical solution is to change our monetary units to the ecu and call the ecu the new pound.

Charles de Gaule devalued the franc about 1960 by 100, calling the altered value a new franc.

By introducing the ecu to Britain as the new pound, this will act as a lifeline to William Hague as the name pound is being preserved and Tony Blair will be relieved as the economy will benefit tremendously. - Alan Bower, Darlington.

VEGANISM

EM Johnson (HAS, Mar 5) is correct in pointing out the unhealthiness and relative immorality of not leading a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

Strong concerns for animal welfare certainly influenced my recent decision (not taken lightly) to convert to veganism.

But concerns for my state of health were also high on the list. After all, what is cows' milk if not simply food intended solely for the consumption of calves?

My principle is to drink only soya milk or coconut milk because, logically, cows' milk is not natural for humans. The environmental appeal of the veganic lifestyle is high because the majority of dairy farms are not sustainable systems. Just ask any environmental scientist not in the pay of the establishment.

The Government would do well to provide Britons with a lot more organically-grown produce. - Andrew Lightfoot, Bridlington

NUCLEAR WEAPONS

THE news that Iraq has at least three nuclear warheads comes as no real surprise, but it does demonstrate the failure of our existing policy.

We have bombed Iraq and imposed sanctions which have, by all accounts, caused untold suffering amongst the ordinary Iraqis. Yet, Saddam Hussein has acquired these weapons of mass destruction.

We need a rethink. It is hypocritical to preach nuclear non-proliferation when we, and more particularly our American allies, are upgrading and extending nuclear weaponry. It's also easier for the would-be nuclear powers to obtain "obsolete" technology. And, technological development makes it easier for spies to succeed.

The most effective defence against espionage is not to have the thing they are looking for. We need a global nuclear weapons convention that lays out time-tabled steps towards nuclear abolition.

We need to reduce our massive dependency on oil, which is what is driving our policy in the Middle East, and leading us, alongside the Americans, to pick sides and arm and prop up corrupt dictatorships.

Once the maintenance of oil flows stops being of overwhelming importance, we can enter into constructive dialogue that seeks to overcome the obstacles to peace. - Bill Wennington, Billingham.