Carl Friend is a sales representative covering the Midlands area.

INCOME: Full-time salary

HOME: Worcester

MORTGAGE: Yes

FAMILY: Two children (divorced)

CAR: Company vehicle

MILEAGE: 40,000

BENEFITS: No

SMOKER: No

ALCOHOL: Yes

AN increase in the cost of fuel would not affect me as I drive a company car.

I would not mind paying extra taxes for the NHS as long as it was safe and the Government was not dipping into it for other things.

I would prefer a state-run health system rather than a private system.

I would not mind either if taxes were put up to cover education - I think all education at all levels should be free, especially university education.

As far as tobacco is concerned, it's a ridiculous situation because the Government puts the duty up but then spends it on measures to help smokers. There should be no NHS benefits for smokers - we're being charged to help people stop smoking.

I would not mind an increase in alcohol duty but it's not so much where the money's coming from, it's where it's going.

If the Government can justify to me where it's going to go, I don't have a problem.