IN response to David Pearson (Letters, March 10), while there is no doubt that Britain's major partners in the Europe market are having a hard time, but before any Tory gloats, they want to answer one question.

Since we opted out of certain parts of the EU agreements, such as the Social Chapter, why is it that Britain has endured not one recession, but two - the second of which people have still not recovered from, despite the bluster about the 'feel good' factor?

As for 'low' unemployment in the UK, it really won't do to cover up the real figures by using questionable accountancy such as the training schemes, where people are taken temporarily off the register and, lately, the job seeker's agreement, which again hides the job shortages.

If our partners on the Continent used these kind of tricks, their records on unemployment would look just as 'healthy' as ours despite the reality of the situation.

DUNCAN MCVEE, Robin Bank Road, Darwen.

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