WILLIAM Hague's mini manifesto is a gift for Labour as we now have it in black and white that the Tories will cut public spending by £16 billion.

As their document states on page eight the Conservatives are committed to "real annual increases in spending which are within the trend rate of growth of the economy" .

It then adds to achieve spending increases below the trend rate of growth, the Tories would have to cut around 1.3pc a year compared to Labour's plans.

Under Labour spending will be £440 billion in 2003/4, under the Tories it would be £424 billion -- £16 billion less or more to the fact £72 million less in Bolton alone.

Provided they do not abandon yet another of their key policies, the Tories are tied to this and must begin answering some crucial questions. £72 million is an awfully large cut in expenditure for Bolton so just where will it be made?

Which teachers and nurses will be axed? How many pensions will

be cut? And how much less will be spent to clean up the streets or repair the roads?

They can't have it both ways. The Tories are tied to spending cuts. They must tell us where the axe will fall.

A Page

4 Manorfield Close

Doffcocker

Bolton