CONSERVATIVE spokesman, Paul Brierley is yet again getting caught up in the politics of cheap point scoring.

In his latest tirade (BEN February 10) he claims that Bolton MPs David Crausby and Ruth Kelly, are engaging in "gimmicks" by offering to help in any way in the wake of the recent Littlewoods announcements.

He also claims that the Littlewoods entire re-structuring project is a result of the government's economic policies.

Presumably. Mr Brierley did find out his facts before he made his statements? Perhaps, to prove to the readers of the BEN that he does think before he speaks, he may wish to answer the following.

In what way is the Littlewoods decision to re-locate parts of its home shopping business to Oldham, a result of the government's economic policies? Secondly, in the light of Bolton being hit the hardest by this move, is it not a reasonable expectation that the local MPs should do all in their power to make the transition as painless as possible for those affected? Thirdly, would Mr Sackville and Mr Thurnham be cheap if they had done the same? I await his response.

Jim Halliday

Seaforth Road

Astley Bridge,

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