In a recent statement, Tony Baldry MP admitted links with two companies involved in the extraction of diamonds in West Africa (Oxford Mail, March 28).

He went on to make the extraordinary claim that "they were bringing much-needed jobs and investment to one of the poorest countries in the world".

I am sure your readers would be interested to hear from him how much his companies are paying their employees in Sierra Leone and the conditions of their employment.

I daresay they are nowhere near the conditions enjoyed by Mr Baldry in his capacity as an MP and director of 12 companies.

MICK McANDREWS (Councillor), Oxfordshire County Council