THIS country makes me laugh. Claire Short, the International Development Secretary has announced another £15m aid to Pakistan's government.

She has also said that the UK would provide new funding worth £105m over the next two years.

Excuse me, what about our own country? What about our hospitals? What about our schools with their crumbling walls and leaking roofs?

What about the lack of residential homes for the elderly? What about decent money in a pensioner's pocket every week? What about it?

We don't count. That's what.

S INNES, Worcester.