FURTHER to your report "Blast for 'thick-skinned' Tory" (LET, February 5), I would like to correct your interpretation of the report to the council on the financial details of the asylum-seekers' contract.

Local taxpayers will not bear shortfalls in the first two years of the contract. The initial set-up and related costs will be absorbed by the council and, over the five years of the contract, the Government will meet the council's costs in full.

I would also dispute the statement attributed to Councillor Edward Harrison, that his quite outrageous comments had been taken 'completely out of context.'

In my considerable experience of hearing Coun Harrison express views on a range of subjects, I would say that, regrettably, his comments were entirely in character.

As for his suggestion of asylum seekers being a "problem for years to come," I would point out to him that this country, along with many others, has a tradition of providing support to people genuinely fleeing oppression and persecution and will, I hope, continue to do so.

COUN MAUREEN BATESON, Executive Member, Citizens Rights and Consumer Affairs, Blackburn with Darwen Council.