"OPEN Government" is one of the basic sound-bites of the New Labour Government. Recent events, however, have shown that this does not apply to them.

I would once again draw the electorate's attention to the lack of our knowledge regarding the activities and = dare I say it - the achievements of our MPs and local councillors.

The present high salary and expense allowance is a big incentive to MPs and councillors. Meanwhile, voters have little information from which to make their choice.

They are unaware of how many attendances a particular MP has missed in the House of Commons, which committees they serve on, which fact-finding foreign trips they have made or how they have voted in Divisions on important issues. In short, their record as our representative. This lack of knowledge increases voter apathy.

As to the council's exaggerated boasting, recent letter-writers have pointed out many shortcomings. Next year's average council tax is more than £1,300 (£26 per week) and I fail to see what the average household is getting for such an outlay.

Apparently, as a consequence of people tripping over pavements etc., in the Bury area, it has cost this local authority £12 million over five years - hardly something to be proud of!

DEREK RYDER