IT WOULD appear some correspondents (HAS, May 22) are surprised that MPs have exempted themselves from legislation they have passed (Freedom of Information).

This is not that unusual. They are also exempt from congestion charges in London, having to pay to park at your place of work, and the new no smoking in the workplace.

The desire to be exempt from Freedom of Information must be so that the public does not find out how much extra money they are claiming as expenses.If this is not the case perhaps they can be challenged to produce these figures voluntarily. As they keep telling us about ID cards: "If you have nothing to hide etc".

The Iraq war will be top of Tony Blair's legacy, but high on the list will be the lack of trust in politicians. Mr Blair came to power and promised to get rid of sleaze and bring in a more open government.

The sleaze has been there all the time: some ministers even got caught and had to resign twice!

This is the Government that Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate now wants us to trust with DNA from children. How long will it be before they decide it might be cheaper to tattoo a serial number on the inside of the baby's arm?

Barry Wood, Edmondsley, Co Durham.