Letter: Government takes, but does not give

Sir: Peter Lilley, Secretary of State for Social Security, says he is 'closing down on the something-for- nothing society' (8 October). There is no 'something-for-nothing' society. We pay tax and national insurance for the welfare service, as well as for fighter aircraft and to prop up the Bank of England.

It is particularly offensive that Mr Lilley is to cut spending on pensions. Many pensioners have paid their dues for 45 to 50 years, in the understanding that they would be entitled to a living on

retirement.

The Government is now giving us nothing for the something we are paying in good faith.

Yours faithfully

HELEN JOHNSTONE

London, N19

9 October