HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope is remarkably naive if he thinks the collapse of the prosecution and trial of Colin Povey, an experienced and respected teacher, is not a matter for MPs (LET, January 10).

Mr Pope's professional background is in education. He is a member of the government supposedly concerned with 'Education, education, education.'

There is a national shortage of teachers -- a recruitment crisis Mr Pope's government must at least attempt to address.

He ought to reconsider his unhelpful remarks. His duty as an MP must surely include: concern when potential miscarriages of justice occur; support for under-valued public servants; awareness of real issues in education today.

Passing the buck will not do.

RICHARD GARNETT, The Hey Barn, Newton in Bowland, Clitheroe.