SIR: In doubting Labour's commitment to extending educational opportunity for all pupils, G Langdon suggests that levying extra taxation is the simple answer (BEN, October 4).

With a recognition of the need for sound economic management and a fair taxation system Labour will not open the floodgates of spending but will certainly ensure that fairness operates. Already there are carefully costed pledges to reduce class sizes and increase training opportunities. As the economy expands, and as the costs of subsidising unemployment and low wages are reduced then additional resources will be created to finance the further expansion of education, health, and the care of our elderly, with access open equally to every citizen.

This is in stark contrast to the Tories who over 17 years have widened the gap between rich and poor and whose policies continue to extend social division and inequality.

Liberal Democrat promises may appear initially attractive - easy to make when a party is not likely to have ultimate reponsibility. Locally their one issue campaigns totally ignore the difficult and painful decisions which have to be made to reconcile the range of conflicting demands on spending priorities, the environment and social provision.

Cllr R Evans

Crescent Avenue, Over Hulton

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