In reply to Michael Clarke (Oxford Mail, April 2), the Government should ban all forms of tobacco advertising.

It is a dirty, filthy habit and it costs the NHS millions of pounds to treat smoking-related illnesses.

My wife had a knee replacement eight weeks ago and I had a knee operation last year.

The treatment we had was excellent and we could not find fault with the NHS.

Mr Clarke also demands better deals for pensioners, but it was his Tory Government that took away the link between pay and pensions which is worth £30 today. It will be restored in 2012.

This Government has given the over-60s free bus passes, eye tests and prescriptions, and increased the heating allowance by £50 this year. Those over 80 now get £400.

Mr Clarke also mentions crime, but you cannot blame the Government for the number of crimes committed today.

Blame the parents who bring up their children.

My mother and father brought up five of us. We never got into any trouble and I brought up four children and they were never any trouble either - they were brought up right and proper.

So stop moaning, Mr Clarke - we still live in one of the best countries in this world.

G ROBERTS Green Road Eynsham