OH dear! It would seem that I have rattled David Chaytor MP, if his response to my letter is anything to go by.

First, he addresses the matter of continuing non-payment of a pay rise for NHS staff in his constituency by offering statistics - a very political reply. Second, at the end of his letter he refers to me using a familiar abbreviation of my first name in what seemed to be a witty, but pejorative, way - not something that I would expect from the honourable member.

And it is at that point Mr Chaytor that you should see (as readers of the Bury Times will) that you lost the argument.

WALTER BROOKS Burnley Road Bury