SIR - The argument that help should be concentrated on the poorest pensioners does not hold water. For one thing, why should the very poorest be forced to go cap in hand when they should get it as of right?

It is well known that many pensioners are too proud to submit to this sort of humiliation.

As for the contention that pensioners who are better off should be content with derisory increases, I should like to ask why. If they have paid in all those years, they are entitled and if they are better off, why should they be penalised?

The whole policy of the Government is a transparent fraud. If this sort of dishonesty were perpetrated by insurance companies, there are no prizes for guessing what would happen to them.

Whingeing about the cost won't wash either. The Government seems to have plenty to spare when it comes to absurd projects like the Dome which everyone could see was going to flop - except, that is, those who were pushing it.

Don Burslam, South Edge, Shann Park, Keighley.

SIR - I refer to Karl Dallas's letter of August 26 regarding the contributions donated to Ken Livingstone's mayoral campaign.

I would like to know if the steps taken for Mr Livingstone to retain the surplus of his campaign was taken through a committee or whether Mr Dallas took it upon himself to say that Ken should keep the residue to further his campaign.

I would suggest that if the latter was the case, then to donate that not inconsiderable amount, he is being very generous with other people's money.

Peter R. Bowers, Camellia Mount, Lidget Green, Bradford.

l Karl Dallas says: "The decision to allow Ken Livingstone to keep the 45 per cent of our contribution for his continued campaigning was taken by consulting with a number of the performers at the Leeds and Bradford events. Obviously, it would not be possible to consult everyone who paid to attend or contributed (in some cases, very lavishly) to the collections, or the many performers who sang or read 'from the floor'. If anyone involved in the events objects to the monies being retained by Ken, then if they contact me at 01274 687221, I will see how I can fall in with their request."

SIR - I am delighted to write on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Relief to ask your readers to join us in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning 2000.

This year, we will be celebrating the tenth birthday of the event and we would be thrilled if they could help us make it the best ever.

Last year in West Yorkshire, World's Biggest Coffee Morning hosts raised a fantastic £57,422.59 at 608 coffee mornings. The money made a tremendous difference to local people living with cancer. This year we are hoping to beat that amount.

It's so easy to get involved. You can hold your Coffee Morning just about anywhere. People can get together for a cup of coffee at work, at home, in school or at a club. With friends, family, colleagues or neighbours we can all have fun and raise money for those who need Macmillan's invaluable care.

In Bradford we are currently funding four additional posts: Two Macmillan Nurses to work in the community, a Lung Cancer Macmillan Nurse Specialist and an Ethnic Liaison Worker to help make existing services more acceptable to members of the ethnic communities.

Proceeds from this year's event will help us fund these new posts.

For further information, please contact me on (01484) 342134.

Pat Whalley, Macmillan Fundraising Manager, West Yorkshire.

SIR - As a member of the B&B Building Society for 35 years, I have been informed that I do not qualify for shares when it changes over to a bank as I only have a deposit account.

I am aware the letter they sent me says it was all explained in the Transfer document, but how many of us could understand it?

The staff did not advise me, and I go in every week. How many other deposit account people will miss out?

The carpet-baggers who started all this will not miss out as I presume this is how they make their money, shifting from society to society then forcing a vote to change over.

E Kinsella, Netherhall Road, Baildon.

SIR - Re the report on "Traders missing out" over Bingley Show. Bingley Show is always a super family day out, either at Myrtle Park or this year's venue The Bradford & Bingley Sports Club ground.

On show day livestock, horticulture and country events are brought together for all to see or participate in.

The show attracts people from all the outlying districts and beyond, as stallholders, exhibitors, eventers or sightseers. It is a great annual occasion for everyone.

Most people who come to Bingley Show, or go to The Great Yorkshire Show, Nidderdale or other country shows are seeing the show, and not shopping or dining in the nearest town.

Long may everyone enjoy Bingley Show for its own sake, as a bonus to our district and a way of life becoming lost to many people in other areas of Great Britain.

Jill Chippindale, Waterside, Bingley.