I WAS puzzled by Councillor Mike Oborski's letter on the new electoral register (September 19 issue).

He seems to suggest that credit reference agencies can only make checks using the edited version.

The Electoral Commission leaflet which went with the register form explained that credit reference agencies are allowed to use the full, unedited register, if only to check your name and address if you are applying for credit.

Electors have no choice but to appear on this version of the register.

Regarding junk mail, I have found that registration with the Mailing Preference Service is an effective way of reducing this.

According to MPs, those who do not register with them may actually find that withholding their details from the edited electoral register causes them to receive more junk mail, not less.

With only the incomplete, edited register to go on, the direct mail industry can no longer effectively validate addresses and clean its lists.

REV TIMOTHY DEMORE

Trimpley Drive

Kidderminster