AS chairman of the Evesham/Pershore Friendship Centre of the Association of Retired and Persons over 50 (ARP/O50), I would like to draw readers' attention to an important Bill which comes up for its second reading in the House of Commons on November 23.

The Age Equality Commission Bill aims to set up a National Commission which will examine all aspects of ageing in British society and make recommendations to the Government on appropriate legislation of other measures to deal with unacceptable age discrimination where ever it appears.

There are now 23 million people over the age of 50 in this country. The number is growing rapidly and by 2015 those over the age of 50 will outnumber those under that age.

We all know someone who has been denied a job because of their age or who has been refused a particular treatment by the NHS for the same reason.

Which other group has its income taken away after six weeks in hospital, as happens to those on the State pension?

Insurance premiums go up and driving licenses have to be renewed (and paid for) every three years.

I hope that readers of your paper will write to our Member of Parliament, Sir Michael Spicer at the House of Commons or 209A Worcester Road, Malvern Link, WR14 1SP calling on him to vote in favour of this important measure.

Additional information can be obtained from our national office by contacting: Don Steele, Director of Social Policy, ARP/O50, Greencoat House, Francis Street, London, SW1P 1DZ. Telephone 020 7828 0500, or e mail info@arp.org.uk.

MR D MANTON, Paddock Close, Pershore.