COUNCILLOR Maureen Rishton (Letters, Nov 22) was quick to lay the demise of the cotton industry of this country at the feet of the Tories.

Where on earth does she get her information from?

Years ago this country made looms which in turn were exported to China and Hong Kong.

These countries set up weaving shed sweat shops, which manufactured cheap cotton goods such as shirts, sheets and towels.

The weaving industry in this country could not compete with the cheap imports which flooded our country and the practice still goes on today.

Many mills closed because of this.

H HAMER (Mrs), Lowther Place, Blackburn.