REGARDING Janet Anderson's comments (LET, December 11) concerning Labour MPs who voted against cuts in long parent benefits, I am unaware that it was explicitly stated before the election that there would be cuts in these benefits.

As to Harriet Harman's claim that lone parents in work would be better off, it would be helpful if she stated what type of work would give £50 per week over and above the subsistence level of Social Security and likewise say where these jobs are to be found.

Although any number of lone parents would gladly work for £50 over and above their present level, this would still not give them a very high standard of living.

Perhaps if MPs were to lead the way having only the same income, plus no savings, they might sing a different tune.

I congratulate MP Gordon Prentice and his colleagues for their stand. As the Bishop of Blackburn suggested, and I heartily agreed, I voted for the man and not the party and I am happy to see that my judgment was not misplaced.

LILLIAN PLEYDELL, Railway Street, Nelson.

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