PHIL Kaiserman's letter (October 24) about pensions and means-testing raises several important questions.

Do I believe that the Queen and Margaret Thatcher should receive the same increase in state pension as most pensioners in my constituency? No.

Do I believe that the five million British pensioners eligible for Labour's Pension Tax Credit want to give it up? No.

Is it true that Labour's tax-free Winter Fuel Payment has delivered a higher increase in weekly income to all pensioners than restoring the earnings link would have done? Yes.

Is it true that this Labour Government is spending more on the welfare of all our pensioners than any previous government in our history? Yes.

Is it true that this Labour Government is now investing more in our National Health Service than any other government anywhere in the world? Yes.

Do I believe that the majority of my constituents want to turn the clock back to the Tory years of pensioner poverty? No.

DAVID CHAYTOR MP