THE government's decision not to accept the Nolan report recommendation for MPs to disclose their earnings will be a matter of great disappointment to many Conservative voters.

I think that it is worth reminding all MPs of the old saying "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" - particularly when MPs are reasonably paid in both salary and expenses for the service they give.

We who put them in Parliament depend on them to make the right decision. As MPs, they cannot afford to be influenced by self-interest, or to be motivated by the casual, extra money that they might earn.

Not only is the example set open to interpretation as greed, it reduces their credibility as an MP.

The other relevant saying is: "No man can serve two gods." Need more be said?

PHILIP CONGDON, Defence Consultant, Hindle Fold Lane, Great Harwood.

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