A BOLTON MP has raised the alarm over a mail order circular which he believes people could mistake for their TV licence renewal form.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, says he has now informed council Trading Standards officers about the letter which carries a similar logo and design to that of the licence renewal form but invites the recipient to send off £29.99 for a new television set.

The letter, circulated by Manchester-based mail order company Health and Home Shopping, has a lists of TV's ranging from a 28 inch Digital Sony Nicam Stereo to 5,000 five-and-a-half-inch black .and white portable TVs.

And while in small print at the bottom of the letter it states "This promotion is not connected with TV Licensing or the BBC", Mr Crausby says he believes people could still mistakenly send money.

"My concern is that people could be duped into believing that the letter is a TV licence renewal form and unwittingly return it along with the £29.99 fee," he said. "I am concerned about the design, legality and distribution of these letters especially at a time when a large number of over 75-year-olds are receiving information about claiming for their free TV licence."

He added: "I have asked Bolton Trading Standards to urgently look into this matter and communicate to the general public the necessary message of caution if they receive a similar letter."

TV Licensing's North west spokesman John Barber said they were also aware of the letter.

"We are looking into this matter and we have lodged a complaint with the company sending these letters and also with the Advertising Standards Authority," said Mr Barber.

While Tony Haslam of Bolton Trading Standards said they would probably also refer the matter to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

He said: "There is an important common-sense rule to remember when anything comes through your door asking for money and that is to ensure you read it carefully before sending anything off.

"We will be looking into this matter and if anyone has any queries they are always free to contact us."

Health and Home Shopping group general manager Joanne Moore said all the company's mailings were submitted to the Copy Advice department of the ASA.

She said: "The ASA did receive a complaint from a member of the public which they fully investigated. Their conclusion was that the complaint was not upheld and that readers were unlikely to be misled."

She added: "In addition we co-operate fully with Salford Trading Standards over all mailing campaigns we develop."