THE restoration of the average earnings link for the universal state pension is well within this compass of government finances.

Chancellors of both parties are united in planning to pay for the National Health Service from the proceeds of squeezing the state pension. If this is not subterfuge, what is?

National Insurance surpluses should be used to raise the basic state pension, but not before the surplus is first used to provide a pension to men between 60 and 65, who currently receive nothing.

SIDNEY CULLIS,

St John's, Worcester.