RETIRING at 65 in 1989, my state pension was £43.60 per week. Now, in 2005, it is £79.60 per week. An extra £36 a week given to me for surviving 15 retirement years.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant! Forget the Second World War, five lost years and your mother's tears. Forget Tories who took away the earnings link. Forget New Labour and the 75 pence per week they once considered more than adequate as an "increase" to my state pension.

But, Mr Margrett, how has EU membership "increased" United Kingdom state or private pensions?

What effect would withdrawal really have on our already desperate pension situation?

FRANK L JONES,

Malvern.