CITING a deafening silence from Conservative supporters, Albert Morris (Letters, May 31) boasts that Labour are now masters of the political debate, justified by the speed of the Government's reforms.

The main claim to fame is the ban on manufacture and sales of land mines, but this kind of knee-jerk reaction could expose the Government's immaturity.

Although threats to our defence now come from terrorism, major conflicts cannot be discounted. Therefore, mines must either be deemed useless, or Labour doesn't appreciate the need for protection of our armed forces.

Of course, land mines are hideous, but so is war. And if nuclear destruction is to be avoided, effective conventional weaponry is essential. Land mines are still a defensive weapon and despite the euphoric glow of global humanity, it is hard to believe that Labour would deny our troops suitable protection. Anti-personnel mines are also needed to protect a field of anti-tank mines from being cleared easily: thus, buying precious time for defenders.

Also, the RAF has a bomb that, in addition to cratering an enemy's runway, also scatters anti-personnel mines which hinder repairs and protect our forces from air attacks. Would Labour also deprive our forces of this means of defence?

Banning manufacture of anti-personnel mines has emotional appeal, but it will not remove the millions already laid indiscriminately throughout the world.

And it is no more possible to stop states from manufacturing mines than it is to stop them providing large amounts of munitions, like grenades and bombs, which, can kill and maim innocent civilians.

Labour's objections to the exporting of arms are well-known, but their policies are not! They would like to stop sales of the Hawk aircraft to Indonesia, but are mindful of the need to preserve jobs in the aerospace industry! Robin Cook is currently wrestling with this problem.

No 'sound bite' solutions this time and Labour's boasts of swift reforms may soon be silenced when faced with realities.

COUN J.H.HIRST (Conservative) Earnsdale Road, Darwen.

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