Letter: Letter: No trust in Tory pension plans

Sir: The Tory idea of a pension scheme funded by one's contributions during a working lifetime is dependent on being able to earn a reasonable salary and being able to earn that salary every year ("Blair attacks pension proposals", 25 April).

As a well qualified environment consultant, I have been self-employed for 10 years. My income has fluctuated wildly through no fault of my own. It depends on the market - the "sacred" free market for my services - my health and other family factors. This in turn affects my input into my pension scheme. No politician ever mentions that you cannot contribute to your pension if, for whatever reason, you cannot earn the money through no fault of your own.

DR W G LE-LAS

Canterbury, Kent