IN response to my earlier observation that unaffordable wages could cost jobs, Coun D Hollings (Letters, November 23) says many countries with a minimum wage have stronger economies than ours.

But he provided no details or unemployment figures.

The councillor implied employment rose in Massachusetts because of a minimum wage. Their rate is $4.75 per hour and the sterling equivalent is low, at £2.82. No princely sum, in relation to higher wages in the States, which is why so many people have second jobs.

He also sees Keynesian philosophy as an alternative to manufacturing output; it has its place but the real reason for growth in the USA was the restoration of the economy in 1991 as a consequence of policies implemented by George Bush and the Republicans.

Coun Hollings says "Tory vision is for a sweatshop Britain." A vituperative opinion, uncosted, groundless and not central to the issue. He claims Labour has a better vision for industry, business and for treating people fairly, but he fails to realise that the Government does not need visions, unlike Labour, whose dreams, when last in office, were shattered by the IMF's rejection.

Since 1979, Britain's manufacturing production has grown by over 80 per cent and the UK is a haven for inward investment which created 770,000 jobs.

Exports are at record levels and unemployment is the lowest of any major European country and more people are in jobs than any other country in Europe.

COUN J Hirst, (Conservative), Billinge Ward.

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