IT was disappointing to read the attack on me (BEN February 5 1999) by Rob Edwards of Little Lever, especially since he had not taken the trouble either to speak to me or write to me before putting his pen to paper,

I can assure him and those who work at Fort James in Horwich that all three Bolton MPs are committed to protecting jobs there and encouraging an expansion or the business on that site. I have written to the man who will make the final decision, namely The Secretary of State at the DETR, John Prescott MP, and I have been present at meetings with my colleagues at the House of Commons to discuss supporting the planning application. Indeed, I have agreed to meet members of the GMPU together with my colleagues at the House of Commons during the week beginning February 22 to discuss what more we can do to help. I was unable to attend a previous meeting with members of the GMPU but I did ask for my apologies to be given. Since the factory is in the constituency of my colleague, Ruth Kelly MP, I knew that she would attend the public enquiry and present an excellent case, which she did.

Mr Edwards only has to look at my 10 year record as Chairman of Bolton's Housing Committee to understand that, through my actions, hundreds of jobs have been protected and created in Bolton. I agree, actions speak louder than words!

Dr Brian Iddon MP

Bolton South East

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