IT is a question facing the leaders of all the main political parties this week: Does size matter?

The question has been raised as a consequence of Michael Howard unveiling one of the slimmest election manifestos in living memory.

With the Labour Party's manifesto due to be launched tomorrow, and the Liberal Democrats being forced to delay their unveiling due to Charles Kennedy's pregnant wife Sarah being taken into hospital, the Tories' slimline offering is the first on the streets.

Six key policy areas are proudly contained in just 11 simple words: More police, cleaner hospitals, lower taxes, school discipline, controlled immigration, accountability.

Voters need only read 17 full pages of text to gauge whether Michael Howard has the policies to take him to Number 10.

The Tories are probably right not to waste too much paper because people do not have the time nor the inclination to wade through page after page of dubious pledges.

What matters to them is not the quantity but the quality and clarity of the words, combined with an absolute commitment to deliver.

Sadly, we have reached a point in British politics where manifestos are seen as little more than promises to be broken. And for the sake of democracy in this country, we have to find a way to rebuild that lost trust.

In the meantime, the sad truth about all party manifestos can also be covered in just eleven simple words: More promises, lower expectations, vague aspirations, dodgy figures, hot air, mistrust.