SIR: Paul Carter, the Tory candidate for Bolton South East, claims that the Conservatives know how to run a modern economy (BEN: September 3). May I put him right on a few points?

Firstly, one million people in Britain earn less than £2.50 an hour. Secondly, the 'real' level of unemployment, as measured by independent analysts, is more than four million. Thirdly, the building industry teeters on the edge of a new recession, threatening a further 40,000 jobs. And finally, job insecurity is more widespread than it was in the 1930's.

The Tories response to the problems of unemployment, low pay and job insecurity is to offer more of the same failed policies. In contrast, Labour offers a new agenda. We intend to create 250,000 new jobs for the young and long-term unemployed. This will be paid for by a tax on the excessive profits of the privatised utilities. Labour also intends to introduce a minimum wage to end the scandal of low pay; and we intend to invest in new training programmes, so that people can learn new skills that will enable them to find and stay in work.

Labour's plans for the economy are fair and will create new jobs. The Tories have had 17 years to get it right and have failed. The choice between the two parties is as simple as that.

Kevin Meagher,

Campaigns Co-Ordinator,

Bolton South East Labour Party,

Hereford Crescent,

Little Lever, Bolton.

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