REGARDING the mismanagement of Tracey Cullen's benefit entitlement (LET, June 10), this situation could only occur with a Benefits Agency that is not a part of a modern, morally-based society.

The social security system of Britain has always been riddled with vindictive, middle-class types who think that anybody who needs benefits should not get them.

While there are decent people who work for the unemployment benefit office, etc, the ones with an attitude will always dominate.

As for Mr Greg Pope saying that his local Benefits Agency has always been very helpful, it sounds like he's on the Tony Blair style - "copy the Tories" and gain votes doctrine.

JAMES JACKSON, Beaumaris Avenue, Mill Hill, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.