Now that Tony Blair has stripped John Prescott of his department while allowing him to retain his whopping salary and Government car, he is left with the responsibility of chairing meetings.

While up and down the country people are being made redundant and becoming further and further bogged down by debt, I do not see that this is fair.

It appears to me to be typical Labour hypocrisy. It is time the Prime Minister sacked Mr Prescott and used the money in more deserving areas, such as the NHS, or put someone in post who can do the job properly. However, as this Government lacks anyone for the second option, I suggest the first.

MAURICE BILLINGTON (Councillor), Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council