MMR INJECTION

I READ with interest that Darlington MP Alan Milburn is threatening to boycott the BBC Today programme after one of his ministers was asked if her child had been given the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) jab. Mr Milburn's threat puts me in mind of the Elton John documentary Tantrums and Tiaras, except that this particular tantrum has very sinister undertones.

Senior Government figures, including Mr Milburn and Tony Blair, are refusing to disclose whether their own children have been given the MMR injection.

Their pious defence, and that of their apologists, is that it is a private matter. Ordinarily it would be, except that Mr Milburn has decided that parents up and down the country are to be given no choice about whether their children are given the triple vaccine or three separate injections, the NHS must only offer the triple vaccine. The moment this decision was taken the issue became a very public matter.

If senior Government figures have chosen to have three separate injections for their own children, yet are denying ordinary NHS users the same option, it paints a very alarming picture, not only of double-standards, but of potentially playing politics with our children's health. This is something the Government must be held to account for, be it on the Today programme or elsewhere. - S Cawte, Darlington.

METRIC MARTYR

IT IS time that someone told Stephen Thoburn, the "Metric Martyr", and his friends that the computer has been invented, is used worldwide and even in outer space, and can only calculate in metric units.

The now defunct British system of weights and measures was perfectly adequate when we lived in village communities and were only trading with the fellow down the road.

Today, our fruit and vegetables come to our supermarkets from all corners of the globe.

I am trying to come up with a good reason why anyone would not want to adopt the metric system - could it be that Mr Thorburn has six fingers on each hand?

If his argument is merely based on his apparent dislike of anything "foreign", I should point out that the system he prefers is described as the "avoirdupois" system - horror of horrors, it's French!

He can sell by avoirdupois weight for several years yet, but he must also offer the metric system. What could be more reasonable, since children leaving school are taught the metric system?

I have lived and worked as an engineer in several countries, weights and measures being my daily fare, and am astounded that such opinions should still be held.

Mr Thoburn might claim John Cleese as an ally, but that is explained, I believe, by the fact that John Cleese is a comedian! - W Collinson, Belmont.

BRIDGE HOUSE HOSTEL

IN a report into the death of one of our residents (Alcoholic died after drinking binge, Echo, Dec 8), your reporter stated that Bridge House Hostel in Stockton was a home for alcoholics. This is not entirely true and is misleading.

Bridge House Hostel is a direct access hostel for homeless men, whether alcoholic or not. Out of 30 current residents, 12 could be described as drink dependent. The remaining 18 have a wide range of problems that have led to homelessness, such as failing mental health, family breakdown, drug addiction, repeat offending or social inadequacy.

On a positive note, in many cases we are able to help men less fortunate than ourselves turn their lives around and move on to better things.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many individuals and groups that have so generously donated money, food and gifts to the project over this festive period. I have tried to write to all concerned individually, but if I have missed anybody out I apologise and sincerely thank you. - P O'Brien, Stockton Churches Mission to the Single Homeless Limited, Stockton.

FIREFIGHTERS

ON December 21, I was attending a party at the Kings Head Hotel, Darlington, when the fire alarm was activated.

As we partygoers were making our way down the stairs, a fire engine arrived on the scene unbelievably quickly and firefighters were already making their way up the stairs.

Fortunately, on this occasion, it was a false alarm, but I was reminded of the tragic events of September 11 when brave firefighters had also responded and carried out their duty with equal speed and dedication.

It is a great comfort to know that we can rely on the professionalism of the fire service to react quickly and efficiently in response to any emergency.

As you enjoy your Christmas holiday, spare a thought for all those involved in the emergency services who will still be at work. - SE Keeney, Darlington.

Spennymoor

AS chairman of Kirk Merrington Pre-School Committee, I would like to thank Spennymoor Town Council for all its support through a very difficult year.

Without its help, the pre-school might have had a bigger struggle to find funds and support to ensure the continued availability of pre-school education in Kirk Merrington.

Not only has the council kindly awarded the pre-school a grant, it has recently installed a new heating and hot water system. This has had a dramatic effect on both the children and the staff of the pre-school. It will also enhance the effectiveness of the pre-school as much-needed resources can now be directed towards the children's education instead of being used to offset large heating costs.

On behalf of the Pre-School Committee, staff, children and parents, best wishes to all Spennymoor Town Council members and staff for the coming new year. - Paul Skuce, Chairman, Kirk Merrington Pre-School Committee.