THE remarks of Mr D Parker in 'Let's all quit and live on the state' (Letters, August 2) were replied to by Councillor Maureen Bateson (Letters, August 10), who went to great lengths to tell us that Blackburn with Darwen Council taxpayers were not footing the bill for asylum seekers.

She said: "The money for this support comes directly from the Government and not from council tax.

Exactly what Mr Parker was saying. It's taxpayers' money.

Now, can Coun Bateson please enlighten readers, thereby stopping rumours and misinformation, about the allowances given to asylum seekers (in cash or in kind) so we can compare them with what we get, especially pensioners like me who have contributed to the system?

BRIAN SWAINBANK, Longshaw Lane, Blackburn.