THE ease with which banks and finance houses were bailed out was equalled only by the speed with which it was accomplished.

The motor scrappage scheme was a genuine lifeline for the motor trade industry, and the overall winners were once again the banks as people rushed to finance their new, cheaper cars.

It is even more important to continue with the current defence contracts. Building two aircraft carriers will employ a lot of people in diverse industries.

These workers will pay taxes and National Insurance and make even more contributions with every purchase they make.

Associated industry has geared up for the task and already won contracts, investments have been made, and work begun on the promise of these contracts.

Something essential to the security of the nation does not become any the less essential because of a monetary recession, unless it was never needed in the first place in which case I suggest it is the government we cannot afford – that is where the axe may need to fall.

Soon, we will have an army of redundant, time-served or wounded service personnel needing work or support.

Whatever cuts we have to endure, jobs are the prime concern.

Gerard Wild, Richmond, North Yorkshire.