DAVID CAMERON has announced a programme of aid to the Third World, including a vital immunisation programme.

It is right that this is done. If people anywhere in the world have a need then that need should be met.

Personally, I believe that the EU should be doing this.

However, the fact that the UK is able to donate more than other countries exposes the lie about the state of the nation’s coffers and the necessity for deep spending cuts.

The cuts are what the Coalition wants to impose, not what it has to impose.

Durham County Council has had a budget forced on it which means that it has to cut services.

The method of best practice applies when running any level of government.

The Coalition is not following best practice with these spending cuts.

Jeremy Whiting, Great Lumley.

THE Archbishop of York says that UK spending on overseas aid is “still woefully short of what is needed”, but from where will this money be found?

It certainly won’t come from the pockets of MPs who recently increased the amount they can claim in expenses.

It won’t come from bankers’ bonuses or from those who can afford to spend thousands on new outfits for Ascot or buy tickets for the Olympics.

The money certainly won’t come from the sale of land, property and art owned by the Church.

Further increases in foreign aid will mean further cuts in public spending.

CT Riley, Spennymoor.