S W BURY (You Say, September 15), epitomises the UK's "soft touch" asylum seeker ethos.

He criticises P R Scott, who writing from Spain, praised Australia for rejecting asylum seekers.

Long ago, I spent nearly four years in Spain. Working (and starving!) but I survived.

Now, I read of an Afghan asylum seeker in Ilford being given a two-bedroom, fully-furnished flat with bathroom, kitchen and sitting room.

His landlord receives, courtesy of your taxes, £72.50 per week from the council.

The asylum seeker receives £47.75 per week as Income Support.

I am sure that my Spanish friends, and local government in Cadiz would have laughed their socks off if during my stay, I had requested a free flat. And that I should also be given sufficient pesetas each week for my food and clothing expenses!

F L JONES, Malvern.