Letter: Raising party funds

Sir: The dwindling financial support for all our political parties, and the temptation to take money from any source to alleviate debts is a major threat to democracy. Would it not be better in a democratic country where political parties represent the people's interest for these parties to be paid for by the government.

In this way political parties could become more democratic, and thus truly represent people rather than institutions or unions without fear of losing their financial support. Corruption could be curbed and the donating of money by vested interest would be prevented.

Yours sincerely,

RAYMOND HEAD

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

21 June