MAY I express the warmest congratulations to our Labour and committed socialist MP, Mr Peter Pike, on the wonderful news of his impending 10-times-the-rate-of-inflation increase in his salary.

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer - eh, Mr Pike?

Do as I say, not as I do - just like Tony Blair, who sends his child to a grant-maintained school and prevents others from having the same privilege. It is not really surprising that the ordinary man in the street is so apathetic and disillusioned about politics.

It's not too late to redeem yourself, Mr Pike. You could always put your true socialist principles to the test and give your increase to the poor and needy.

But as you voted for the increase yourself, I shall not be holding my breath.

S SMITH, Burnley Heritage Centre, St James Street, Burnley.

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