L SPITERI, in his role as champion for those of his own political ilk, resorts, in his June 10 letter, to the usual diversionary tactics of swinging the argument on to a different footing.

This is to ensure his opposing opinions may prevail. My original letter stated that it was Ted Heath who took us into the Common Market, not Mrs Thatcher. Federation was not mentioned or implied.

Mr Spiteri's diversion on to later Tories' involvement does, however, need clarification. Mrs Thatcher resisted all forms of a Brussels take-over, so did Mr William Hague.

John Major was not so strong while trying to battle against three Europhile heavyweights in his own party, and therefore made concessions.

Whatever the pros and cons of this now ridiculously expanded argument, we now have Mr Blair actually welcoming the Federal State recently announced by the German Chancellor.

MRS R CALDWELL, Droitwich.