NIGEL BRYSON (HAS, June 10) misses my original point by some margin – nobody is looking to bash the work of moderate unions, but to ask who should pay for the work of the unions – the taxpayer or the unions via their own subscriptions.

When politicians of all shades were highlighted as abusing the expenses system, most were not actually breaking any rules, for it was in some way the very rules laid down that allowed a system to raise the blood pressure of the population.

The Taxpayers’ Alliance admits that its figures regarding taxpayers funding the unions is cautious, but is estimated at the very least to be £85m of taxpayers’ money annually used for union functions.

Given that many union members are agitating for strikes against what others might perceive as a long overdue tightening of belts, it is perfectly reasonable to highlight that the very people looking to strike, the unions, are using millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money that ought to be spent on public services.

Dr Alan Booth, Bishop Auckland Conservative Association.