IN a recent comment about a proposed statue to Baroness Barbara Castle, Coun Andy Kay is quoted as saying, "Blackburn with Darwen wishes to mark the contribution of its notable citizens." It is perhaps worth making one or two points about this statement and the proposal itself.

Like Jack Straw and Sir Bill Taylor, Baroness Castle was not a native of Blackburn. By the standards of her era her life was far from perfect -- hardly a role model for British women of the time.

One wonders if the people of Darwen who returned a Conservative member of Parliament during the years Barbara Castle was Labour MP for Blackburn are as enthusiastic as the present town council to erect a statue to her.

By all means erect a statue to Baroness Castle, but in the present mood of Blackburn street enhancement and statue building consider some would say the greater claim of John Morley PC, OM, MA, FRS, LLD, DCL.

His distinguished academic and legal careers were followed by high office in the Government: twice Chief Secretary for Ireland with a seat in the Cabinet, Secretary of State for India 1905-1910, Lord President of the Council 1910-14.

He was a Liberal MP from 1883 to 1908, when he was created 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn.

Yes, he was actually born here.

The vast majority of the present population of Blackburn with Darwen will probably have very little idea who John Morley was, but this does not negate his achievement or his claim to have a statue in his native town.

D SMALLEY, Blackburn.