REFERRING to a quotation that was delivered by a Conservative representative on the BBC Politics programme (Nov 19), with regard to their low taxation policies.

The aforementioned holiday insurance tax was introduced by Kenneth Clarke in November 1993 at a rate of five per cent. This was steadily increased to the appalling level of 20 per cent to date. Holiday insurance is invariably evaluated on the health of the individual and in most cases the amount of medication taken by the applicant.

It stands to reason that the highest premiums are paid by older citizens, therefore presenting unfair tariffs on the medical screening towards the total costs.

My opinion is that this is a cleverly concealed ageist penalty, which I believe to date has not been challenged.

Thomas Pollitt, Blackhall.