Cash could be found to fund our forces; VOICE OF THE NORTH.

OVER the centuries this great nation has prospered, conquered and liberated on the foundation of a strong military capability.

Whatever one's view of our decision to become involved in Afghanistan, our military should be provided with the political, moral and financial support to do what is asked of them.

The army is a past master at adapting to adversity, and maximising the use of the equipment and resources at its disposal. However, that can only be tolerated for so long.

It is my view that this Government, like its predecessor, has shamefully under invested in the armed forces and should find the money needed to right that wrong now. But here lies the problem: finding additional money for the Ministry of Defence requires the budget of another department to be trimmed. In a recession with a looming threat of a flu pandemic, that is not an easy task. Or is it? How much money do benefit cheats, tax dodgers and frivolous litigants cost the Treasury each year? Billions I suspect. Furthermore, how many of these lazy, good for nothing, parasites demanded Government action to fund equipment shortages for our troops? Thousands I wager.

Next time they cash their Giros, fiddle their tax returns or sue the council for hurt feelings, perhaps they could look in the mirror and ask themselves if our soldiers are more deserving of that money.

ALAN CARTER, Kenton, Newcastle