Letter: Chalker's job should be done by elected MP

WHEN Lynda Chalker lost her seat in the general election she was given a title and took the portfolio of overseas development from the House of Commons to the House of Lords.

The shadow minister and other MPs can only address questions to junior ministers who have to refer back to Baroness Chalker. She is never in the House of Commons to answer questions and explain or defend her policies.

Surely out of more than 300 Tory MPs there must be one capable of undertaking this portfolio, which rightly belongs to the House of Commons, particularly now, when this is a very prominent portfolio both in the UK and internationally. The British people should be represented by an MP elected by them.

Rosaleen Donovan

Thornford, Dorset