I NOTE that David Hopper (HAS, May 29) signs himself as General Secretary, Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), clearly giving the impression that he heads an organisation which still has its democratic and traditional Labour movement roots.

The facts are that the DMA is now a private claims handling company, and it is important that people understand that.

Mr Hopper states that I have no right to ask about the DMA’s affairs, but having had representations from many of my constituents and others who have paid into the Durham NUM (its predecessor) for many years, I think that Mr Hopper – in the public interest – needs to say why he and ten other people took the decision to form the DMA without consulting with any of its many members who had contributed for years.

Secondly, those who challenged the practice of the Durham NUM of deducting money from their miners’ compensation claims have now been excluded, while I understand Mr Hopper and other so-called “officials” of the DMA still continue to draw large salaries and pension packages.

Hardly the practice of an organisation accountable to its members and those who have paid in over many years.

Kevan Jones, Labour MP, North Durham.