ITHINK Eric Leaver's article (LET, December 26) takes my comments in response to your reporter Dave Ayrton's telephone call to me in totally the wrong context. It may have been an occasion when he could have had the courtesy to contact me before printing his article.

He should know that many people struggle to pay their rent -- and really struggle. I do have some sympathy and compassion with them and that is why I am a Labour MP.

I did say to Dave Ayrton that those who have problems paying should seek advice -- speak to Burnley and Pendle housing or to a welfare rights organisation, for example. If they have a problem it is one they cannot ignore. Many do not get all the help to which they are entitled.

I also said the timing of the warning letter to tenants in arrears was wrong -- but neither I nor Dave Ayrton knew when it was sent when we spoke. If Eric Leaver dealt with some of the cases I have to deal with, he might have a bit more understanding.

Of course, rent is a priority and I accept that. I also recognise that some people who can afford it have the wrong priorities and I am not condoning that at all.

Clearly, I did say that non-payment puts a burden on others and causes the landlord problems

Eric Leaver's article talks of featherbedding and infers criticism of the benefits system. He fails to recognise that it is not an over-generous system in most cases. It is a national system and the reality, rightly or wrongly, is that the level of arrears in Burnley will, if he checks, compare with many other areas.

Coming back to the letter, it was sent out the week before Christmas. I believe it was a bit too late and I think that is obvious -- if you want to give a warning, you don't leave it too late.

But, in all fairness, Burnley and Pendle housing may well have done just that and sent it out in late November or early December.

PETER L PIKE, MP for Burnley.