I AM not surprised at the complexities regarding staying in the EEC or else opting out. The subsidies for propping up certain members of the EEC leave much to be desired.

Southern Ireland for instance. For every pound they contribute they receive eight pounds back, and they are not alone. Contribution-wise, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg pay around three pounds per person per week. For Greece, Spain and Italy approximately six pounds, remember per person per week.

It's no wonder they consider it a good thing and so vote for virtually anything Brussels says. Who pays?

The only countries paying into the fund are ourselves and the Germans. For us it is £20 per person per week, for the Germans much more. So remember when you hear that St Helens or similar areas are getting some assistance for certain projects or other it is just Brussels letting us have some of our money back.

W.T., Garswood (name and address supplied).