I HAVE begun to think about the Royal Family after reading the excellent letter from Michael McLoughlin. No matter what colour of Government we have, there are taxes essential to service the population as a whole.

Income Tax, Value Added Tax, etc. These are used for defence, education, road building, NHS, local services, and many more.

We may not like these taxes, we may not agree how the money is finally spent, but they are for the wellbeing of us all.

The question is, are the Royal Family a necessity asks McLoughlin. Should we have the right to support them or not?

His hypothecated taxation theory is a good idea but may be difficult to administrate. I suggest that the Royals, being a charity, should be treated as such.

There could be Royal Flower Day collections, pub sponsored walks, outdoor rave-ups in Hyde Park, open days at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Sandringham, Balmoral, pay at the door.

The cash collected, of course, would have to offset the money now used from our taxes to keep the Royals in their accustomed way. For those who wished to contribute, there would be limit to any amount they felt appropriate -- in ratio to their loyalty.

Thus the Royal Question would be finally solved. Should you wish them to continue, 'pay up and be happy'. If you felt the reverse 'keep your purse or wallet shut'.

What could be fairer than that?

John S L Evans

Howard Avenue

Deane

Bolton