TONY Blair's respect agenda launched last week is bound to be another pie in the sky project like numerous other ideas of his Government.

Whilst many of us agree that the behaviour of some youths (not all ) leaves a lot to be desired, the answer to this is patently clear - bring back conscription. It wouldn't cost any more than keeping offenders in prison or worse still, letting them roam the streets terrorising people.

The problem started when discipline was taken out of the school regime, and some human rights fanatics told children that parents could no longer smack their off-spring.

In the 1950s and 60s a young man knew he would have to do 18 months in the Armed Forces. It gave them pride and respect for authority, some also learned a trade, and at the end of their National Service they were prepared for life, marriage and children who would then be brought up to know right from wrong.

It doesn't take a person like Tony Blair to see where it all went wrong.

Margaret Warman

Stalls Farm Road

Droitwich Spa