I READ with interest that Janet Anderson has been re-elected to the Labour Party's Parliamentary Committee -- giving constituents a 'direct line' to Tony Blair (LET, November 12).

Mrs Anderson declares herself a "strong supporter" of the Prime Minister but added: "If there is something where I think he is wrong, I am not afraid to use the opportunity to tell him. And Mr Blair always listens." Well, if he does listen, perhaps Mrs Anderson can put one or two questions to Mr Blair on behalf of Darwen and Rossendale voters.

Could Mr Blair tell us why in the last year alone, violent crime has risen by 50 per cent in Darwen and 94 per cent in Rossendale?

Why have taxes risen 66 times since Labour came to power, when Mr Blair said he wouldn't raise them?

Why has council tax for (as an example) Band D homes in Darwen risen by £377 per couple and £481 a couple in Rossendale since Labour came to power?

Is it right that pensioners in Darwen and Rossendale are made to effectively beg for the pension credit that is rightfully theirs?

Why in the NHS, are three times as many managers being employed than doctors and nurses?

Why are there still one million patients still on NHS waiting lists? Is it "prudent" to be spending £1.3billion a year on "management consultants" whilst priority services suffer?

Did it slip Mr Blair's attention that of the top 10 highest MP expenses claimants, nine were Labour MPs?

NIGEL ADAMS, Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Rossendale and Darwen.