THE expression: "If your case is a bad one, belt the other side," underpins the headline 'Clapped-out' on Bill Jacobs' article on the Shadow Cabinet (LET, May 29), which he justified on grounds that they were leaders of the defeated government.

What was omitted were details of Labour's broken promises and the refusal of their leaders to consistently answer questions in the Commons, coupled with fudged explanations of issues, through the media, supported by a plethora of reviews designed to transfer responsibilities elsewhere

Mr Jacobs did compliment John Redwood, but ungraciously, and negated this by casting him as a Thatcherite ideologue - which, ironically, is just what Tony Blair seeks to emulate, in the full knowledge that Thatcherite policies were instrumental in providing a lavish economy and low unemployment.

However, time is running out for the Government. After the summer recess, they will have to start answering questions about the 150 'reviews' that have sheltered issues under the guise of 'consultations,' although they will seek protection from meaningful debates with Opposition parties.

Admittedly, all previous governments disliked Parliament, but the present administration excels in avoiding unsavoury issues, despite its rhetoric about 'open government' and accountability. Questions to the Prime Minister have been reduced to once a week and are now becoming a television farce, with serious questions either being rejected out of hand or pathetically, treated as sad jokes.

Opposition spokesmen are also regularly ignored by TV presenters in favour of their own 'side-shows,' to the extent that viewers are sheltered from the eloquent and penetrative exchanges from the Opposition front bench - which Mr Jacobs derides.

In addition to Parliament having been 'high-jacked' by the media, reports in the Press these days are mainly restricted to the interpretations and opinions of journalists when, several decades ago, debates were reported verbatim, which enabled the public to make its own judgments.

So, if the Press is prepared to be constructive, more space could be devoted to examination of issues and events and, locally, Mr Jacobs could demonstrate even-handedness by allowing the Conservative Shadow Ministers, whom he castigates, to respond through the agency of his column.

COUNCILLOR J H HIRST , (Beardwood with Lammack Ward), Blackburn Conservative Association, Duckworth Street, Blackburn.

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