WHILE we're all saving up for our own holidays, it's nice to know we're all putting away a few pennies every week to help others.

I'm thinking not so much of the disadvantaged but of those who are flying across the world at taxpayers' expense - and with no real reason to do so.

It is quite outrageous that anybody, it seems, can now tag on to an official party and go along for the ride. Spouses, partners, lovers, mistresses are all having a fine time, and we're paying for it.

Meanwhile, hospital waiting lists are lengthening, despite Labour's claims in the election, schools are crumbling, benefits are being cut, but there's still cash to entertain those who bankroll Labour.

When in opposition, they had a holier-than-thou image. Now they're in office, we see the real face of Labour and their contempt of the electorate.

B GAVIN, Jessel Street, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.