LETTER:Comic relief: a sick joke

From The Rev Paul Nicolson

Sir: Red Nose Day, like the National Lottery, is an indulgent distraction from the real needs of the poor, raising only £10 million and giving the false impression that something effective has been done.

In this country, Income Support levels are about £8 a week a head too low to allow the poor to feed and clothe themselves adequately, let alone participate in the broader life of the community.

That would need £4 billion a year out of taxes to put right. With all political parties promising tax cuts, and supporting Comic Relief's sick joke of an appeal, it is hardly surprising the poor are dying younger while the rich live longer.

Yours sincerely,

PAUL NICOLSON

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

18 March

London, SE5

17 March