I READ through the missive from Matthew Clarke Letters, Friday, July 1), umpteen times in an attempt to make sense of his contribution.

If the Government is "stealing" when it levies taxes to pay for welfare and aid, why have a Government and a "state" at all? Incidentally, the present-day occupation of tax collector bears no resemblance to the original occupation of Mr Clarke's namesake of 2,000 years ago!

Nevertheless, the lowest 20 per cent of taxpayers pay a higher proportion of their income then the highest 20 per cent.

This correspondent provides the quote "God will judge those who ignore the plight of the poor." Therefore it is wrong for the G8 leaders to attempt to help less fortunate areas of the planet? I think not.

However, Mr Clarke does concede that a Government has a duty to keep law and order and to defend the country. Police and armed forces cost money.

Presumably, this correspondent would approve of the administration "stealing" money for these purposes. Of course, anyone who is sane realises that taxation is a necessity.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.