27 MAY 2000, Page 28

From Mr Michael McManus Sir: New Labour is pro-kid? I

have to support two children at university, for which there is now no financial assistance, even though I'm on only a teacher's wage. Accommodation and fees take £6,000 a year out of my taxed income; loans and part-time work supply them with the rest of their needs. In effect, Labour has doubled my monthly tax bill from £500 to £1,000. The childless are massively net-gainers from other people's children, and not just when they need care in old age. Par- ents should be helped, not penalised. No children, no future — for anyone.

Michael McManus

M.McManus@lmu.ac.uk