RARELY do I have the need to clarify comments attributed to me in this paper.

But your Editorial (We Say, July 9) gives me cause to challenge the view that you "disagreed" with my stance regarding school funding.

Let me make it quite clear. I have, for years, campaigned for a fairer deal for Worcestershire children, and will continue to do so. The unfair funding formula, introduced by the previous Government, penalised our children for years and this Government is right to change the system.

The consultation document published this week gives four options for funding education. Two leave the county worse off, one with no change. These are not acceptable. The fourth gives an indicative increase of £3.9m for Worcestershire, and reduces the budgets of many councils from the south-east.

Of the four options, this is the only one I can and will support. I was surprised to read that the Editorial disagreed with me on this. It may well be that, after close scrutiny of the 194-page document, other ways of boosting Worcestershire's coffers come to light, but of the four options listed, only one can be supported and I stand by that comment.

I believe that the wide scope of the consultation means there will be a huge range of opinions that are expressed. It is my view that only by having a united front, all of Worcestershire arguing exactly the same line, will we have any chance of levering in the extra cash for which we have been fighting.

If opinion is divided, our case will be weakened and this golden opportunity will be lost. We need MPs, councillors, headteachers and teachers, parents and governors all to be saying the same thing.

Under this Government there are no second-class citizens, but Worcestershire may get a second-class deal if we aren't united.

MICHAEL FOSTER,

MP for Worcester.