SIR - Why does Alistair Darling need to increase fuel tax by a further two pence when each time the cost of fuel increases the Chancellor receives a windfall tax of 17.5 per cent on 17.5 per cent on 17.5 per cent and so on. He has had this extra tax from us on many occasions during 2007/8.

This is really just another stealth tax under the guise of improving the environment with his so- called green taxes. I believe he needs this extra tax to fund the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and to replace the millions of pounds promised by Gordon Brown to India and China during his recent tours. One thing is certain, he will not use it to fund our local social services and avoid the cutbacks that affect so many who believed in the broken promises made by New Labour.

TONY EAVES, Martin Hussingtree.