TREASURY minister Sajid Javed says beer tax must keep rising even as a record number of pubs call time forever.

According to Mr Javed the duty escalator is all for the good of the country (Echo, Nov 1).

Then we have Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, saying the country should take no notice of the Government’s recent defeat on the EU budget (Echo, Oct 31). Apparently, whatever the EU decides will be in the country’s interest.

Then we have Foreign Secretary William Hague telling us his department has spent £10,000 – yes £10,000 – on stuffing a snake.

Mr Hague claims this was essential maintenance.

Just when will this lot wake up and do what the public want? It’s not the snake I would have stuffed.

Lawrence McGowan, Sherburn Village.