SIR: In his letter, David Allman (BEN April 25) admires Tom Sackville for speaking the truth. They do say that truth is stranger than fiction.

Over the past 17 years, we have had unemployment figures massaged and manipulated, health services and local government cuts by rate capping that defy the truth of any argument given in the name of truth. The reality, which is more reliable than "truth", is that much of taxpayers' money has gone into the machinery of capitalism, the ideology of the Conservative Party and, to a certain extent, New Labour. This system depends on competition for profit, regardless of arguments, as truth, to obtain it. One can always massage the truth. It cares not about poverty, sickness (unless affordable under a private health service), or old age and the maintaining of standards. The only interest that will be shown is if it is profitable.

Should values clash with privatisation, values will invariably suffer. No wonder Mr Allman sees the current Conservatives as aloof, arrogant and puffed up. In the name of privatisation and right-wing capitalists, they have easily pulled off many financial coups to be so. Truth is a funny word, when manipulated.

Mr F and Mrs C Denham

Lymbridge Drive, Blackrod, Bolton

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