REGARDING the letter from Martin Meredith (Shuttle/Times & News, June 6), no decent Englishman would deny refugee status to anyone whose life was in danger for political reasons. But apart from the fact that they are not sent home when the danger has passed, there are many other reasons for not wanting more people in this country.

Mr Meredith states that many refugees excel in art, science and sport. If they are so good they could come here on a work permit and temporary resident's visa.

However, many of these refugees are not literate in English, or have backgrounds in crime and drugs.

The reason they risk so much to make the shores of England is because they know that, unlike any other country in the world, we will give them money, housing, furniture, medical care and jobs.

If Mr Meredith had a child or relative needing urgent medical treatment, but they could not get a bed in a hospital, he might question why someone who has paid into the NHS for years is denied treatment, while others who have not, are receiving it.

The same thing applies to council housing, roads, trains and jobs.

The Government hide the true state of unemployment by only quoting Jobcentre figures.

There are many people unemployed who do not qualify for jobseekers' allowance and are not registered.

Also there are many people on wages so low that they receive benefits.

It is the number of people claiming benefits the Government should quote. This would show the true picture of the plight of many people.

LEON MANZI

Birchen Coppice

Kidderminster