THANKFULLY, Peter Jarrett, in his letter on your letters page, did not deny my assertion that spin is used by all political parties to highlight their pronouncements.

My main concern, and the concern, I believe, of all voters, is to receive verifiable facts on which to make an accurate choice between parties. This is certainly no laughing matter. Political opponents should avoid name calling especially the use of language not permitted in parliament.

As an ex-Austin/BMC employee I do take an interest in manufacturing and readers will also know where to lay the blame for the decline in general engineering etc.

We are in the hands of accountants who look for an improved cost structure. This is too often achieved by changing the source of components, garments and basic manufacturing from British factories to those where wage rates are considerably lower than here.

Sadly, corporate power and international conglomerates like Ford take these matters out of the hands of the people and their governments.

For example, the world-wide motor industry is controlled about six firms. Volvo part of the Ford empire! And where will BMW go if it is sold now that Rover has been un-coupled?

In this situation where do people like Peter and myself stand? Even interest rates are a variable beyond our control but thankfully the Bank of England has maintained a grip on rates for the last three years.

Perhaps the next argument will feature the pound/dollar exchange rate; this will affect the price of fuel.

John E Coates,

Hazelton Road,

Marlbrook,

Bromsgrove.