THERE is no other way to describe it. We are on a tax treadmill. Barely has the deadline for last year's self-assessment been done and settlement made, to the accompaniment of dire threats of the revenue, than next year's tax code pops through the letter-box.

When the current situation in Britain and Ireland, both in trouble with the EU, are compared is there not something odd? Chancellor Brown, here, with his hands in our pockets, picking them bare, pretends he is unable to reduce the excessive tax bill, sprinkling his hoard according to some redistributive whim of this ghastly government. The Irish Chancellor running a booming economy is cutting taxes for his people. How come? Can another oddity be a factor?. Britain contributes billions to the EU (taxpayers' money therefore not available for tax cuts) which then transfers a lot of dosh to Ireland where it is available for tax cuts.

Dr J Findlater

Lindeth Rd

Silverdale