direction THE TORIES' response to the budget has been farcical and shows a clear lack of leadership and direction. It is clear from their confused response that they cannot cope with a budget which delivers a better deal for families and business, enterprise and the environment.

Gordon Brown's budget introduced tax cuts of £4B, and as a result the tax burden on the average family will be the lowest since 1972. It is clear from William Hague's confusion and dithering that as leader of a party which broke all its promises on tax, the Tories are now floundering in the face of the Labour Party delivering on its promises.

F Crompton

Kennet Close, Westhoughton

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