I RESPOND to the letter by reader Raja Iqbal (BEN: November 24). In his letter, he gives a glowing report on MP Brian Iddon, who, he states, gives them a lot of assistance regarding grants etc. He attacks the Tory Party because, when in power, were strict on immigration.

I would inform Mr Iqbal that in the late 50s, early 60s the Tory government, under the leadership of Edward Heath, opened up the flood gates to thousands of ethnic people. They powered in to such an extent the people of this country were alarmed and looked at each other and said -- what's going on, an invasion without war? Furthermore, passports and benefit books were given out like confetti, benefits to the tune of thousands of pounds paid out to people who hadn't paid a single penny into anything in the country and thousands of pounds are still being paid out. I'll stick my neck out and say without such monies being paid then our pensioners wouldn't have to fight for every penny they get less tax of course. They would be better off by at least £20 a week. Now we have asylum seekers coming here and it's got the to the point where we are foreigners in our own country. During the reign of Edward Heath, a brilliant scholar and politician rose to his feet in Parliament and gave a speech on the subject of immigrants -- that man was Enoch Powell. I suggest Brian Iddon recalls what he had to say on the matter.

G Smith

Bradford Park Drive,

Bolton.