RECENT pronouncements by the Conservative Party that they would, given the opportunity, spend more on Public Services.

Including Health and Education while at the same time cut total government spending by a massive £35 billion, is an astounding statement to make. One that a financial Houdini would never make, as magicians only attempt tricks they understand and have mastered.

Chancellor Gordon Brown has labelled their plans unworkable because their figures simply do not add up. However, what is most interesting to read in the media is a leaked Conservative Party document, which stated that, Top Tory Party Advisor, Sir Christopher Gent, chairman of the influential Conservative Reform Group, (a 'Tory Think Tank') has criticised his own party's plan, claiming the proposals would shrink the UK economy by 15% and cost the average household £6,500 each. The Reform group also blasts the party's plan to let parents pay for "passports" to use private schools and hospitals.

Another "new" Conservative policy is to end the New Deal despite it being an outstanding success in tackling Long Term Youth unemployment, which has now been virtually eradicated and at its figure of 6,000 is the lowest for 25 years. During some of the Tory years the figure was an incredible 300,000.

The various new deals have helped almost one million people. The New Deal for Lone Parents has assisted 230,000 people back into employment and actually saves the Exchequer £40 million per year. Readers will remember the Tories allowed unemployment to rise twice above 3 million people between 1979/1997. This affected business throughout the UK yet they repeatedly claimed "unemployment is a price worth paying."

This government can be justly proud of the increase in employment that we have in the UK. For it is the highest employment rate of the developed countries known as the G7. We can also look with a measure of satisfaction that our unemployed total is the lowest of all G7 countries.

The truth is these 'new' Conservative policies are actually 'old' Tory policies which have already failed the nation. It appears to be true that a leopard never changes its spots.

Jack Droysdill

Blackpool North &

Fleetwood Labour Party