What you are asking...

Four of the people who contacted the Adver with questions on issues that matter to them

Tina Burles, 50, lives in Walcot and works part-time as a teacher at Eldene School puts her question to South Swindon candidates:

I took part in Wake up to Trade Justice, a rally in London which was part of the global week of action for trade justice. Where do you stand personally on issues of trade justice and what would your party do to change unfair trade rules?

Robert Buckland (Con)

"I am committed to seeing worldwide free trade that is fair to all countries.

"Developing countries are always at a disadvantage in world trade talks compared to the developed world. The Conservatives propose the setting up of an Advocacy Fund by richer countries to remove this inequality.

"We will fight for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and for the removal of unfair EU tariffs."

Stephen Halden

"The European Union and the United States waste £150billion pounds a year paying subsidies to their wealthy farmers.

"These subsidies are forcing down world prices to the point where African farmers cannot compete in world markets.

"Even if African farmers work for as little as 50p a day their farm products are still too expensive.

"UKIP will scrap all European Union farm subsidies and buy more goods and farm produce from poor third world countries."

Alan Hayward (Ind)

"I think that most people are not aware of how much trade imbalance there is and what effect it has.

"It is an area that needs bringing to the public's attention so they can make an informed decision about how much action and pressure should be taken to rectify this.

"I would be guided by the constituents, would vote accordingly on any motions or bills presented at parliament and would take up cudgels if the constituents felt strongly about it."

Bill Hughes (Greens)

"The Greens are opposed to globalisation and reject the neo-liberal consensus of the other parties economic growth at all costs or business as usual.

"Greens actively support an alternative. This includes support for policies that promote local provision of goods and services in developing countries rather than the western companies' profit-driven model of the IMF and World Banks which preaches privatisation and public service cuts.

"The protection of human rights and diversity is essential."

Anne Snelgrove (Lab)

"We can't preach fair trade abroad and practice protectionism at home. The Government is therefore working to create a system that allows developing countries to remove trade barriers in a properly sequenced way and within their own development plans.

"This works for all of us Fair Trade products are excellent quality, especially the chocolate!

"Under the Tories, world trade wasn't seen as a development issue. And their promise of huge budget cuts would reduce aid to some of the world's poorest people."

Sue Stebbing (Lib Dem)

"I am fully supportive of the campaign for trade justice and want to see reform of world trading rules and bodies.

"Liberal Democrats will pull down the barriers erected by rich countries like the UK and US that block access to our markets by farmers in developing countries while permitting us to dump our exports on them.

"We oppose the CAP and other structures that promote excess agricultural production and are pressing for reform of WTO, IMF and other international institutions."

John Williams (Ind)

"I would advocate a consistent policy, which clearly balances (on audit) firstly our responsibilities to the individual infrastructure and trade requirements of the poorer nations. Secondly support in our country for farming and industrial development and thirdly the acceptance that many of our companies, in working closely with efficient (and currently more economical work forces) in the emerging industrial countries, are actually helping the growth of those economies.

"The current international audit does not balance; the best example is the massive (obscene) subsidy paid to a sugar importer in the UK. These targets would become part of the budget each year: and, of course, the Government should reach its own targets."

Dick Hilling, 55, of The Prinnels, is a Gulf War veteran. He works part-time at the Living Options charity.

The US government has changed its mind concerning Gulf War Syndrome in favour of its veterans. Lord Lloyd of Berwick's report accepts Gulf War Syndrome and believes the Government should accept the condition also. If you were elected will you lobby the Government and the Ministry of Defence to recognise this serious, debilitating and life-threatening syndrome?

Robert Buckland (Con)

"I have always thought that the large body of people who consistently campaign about Gulf War Syndrome could not merely have been imagining things.

"My view has been confirmed by my experiences speaking to local residents who have been suffering as a result of their involvement in the Gulf in 1991.

"These people served their country, and they deserve answers.

"I welcome Lord Lloyd's report and will be happy to play my part in trying to obtain recognition of this syndrome by the Government."

Stephen Halden (UKIP)

"When many inoculations are given all at once the immune system gets overwhelmed and Gulf War Syndrome is the result.

"These soldiers are heroes and should be treated with honour and respect.

"The fact that this Government refuses to recognise Gulf War Syndrome is outrageous.

"Yes! I would lobby for our brave boys. I would lobby ferociously until they get full compensation.I would make this Government wish they had never heard of Iraq."

Alan Hayward (Ind)

"I would want to find out how many Gulf War Syndrome sufferers there were in South Swindon and to talk with them about their experiences first. This, along with some further background research would then decide what action I would take.

"This might well include lobbying for the recognition of the condition if it would be of benefit to the veterans, but there could be other ways of assisting them."

Bill Hughes (Green)

"It is good that the US Government has recognised Gulf War Syndrome.

"It is a crime that the British Ministry of Defence refuses to recognise it despite thousands of ex-service personnel suffering obvious symptoms as their US comrades are.

"It is time that medical authorities in the UK exposed the results of anti-chemical war vaccines and the effects of depleted uranium tipped weapons on combatants and the civilian population in Iraq and Kuwait."

Anne Snelgrove (Labour)

"The illnesses experienced by some 1990-1 Gulf Conflict veterans must be investigated.

"It is right that the Government is funding research into these illnesses and the reasons they occur, and that Gulf veterans are given prompt access to medical advice.

"There's no doubt that our armed services are one of our greatest resources.

I will do all I can to ensure that veterans are fully supported."

Sue Stebbing (Lib Dem)

"Yes. It is shameful that the Government has not taken action following the publication of the Lloyd report, more than six months ago.

"I believe that we have a responsibility to care for those individuals who risk their lives on behalf of the rest of us and especially when their own health has suffered as a result of that service."

John Williams (Ind)

"Yes, I would lobby on behalf of the veterans, and would suggest that, with the mounting evidence, an incoming Government will be unable to resist much longer. The Treasury's powers of veto need to be closely examined."

Ian Hunt, 72, lives in Stratton St Margaret and is a retired purchasing officer. He is asking his question to North Swindon candidates

How much money has been poured into Iraq to date and will continue to be spent in the unforeseeable future and could this money have been better spent on front line services or pensions?

Mike Evemy (Lib Dem)

"The Iraq war and its aftermath has cost the British taxpayer over £3.5billion so far. Undoubtedly, the money could have been better spent on services such as health and education or on pensions.

"Liberal Democrats will withdraw our forces from Iraq by the end of 2005 in accordance with the UN mandate, training and supporting the Iraqi forces to take over their roles.

"While I'm sure everyone is pleased that Saddam Hussein is no longer terrorising his people, the way Tony Blair took us to war has tarnished our political system."

Andy Newman (Socialist Unity)

"So far the Iraq war has cost an estimated $164billion. The UK government alone has spent in excess of £3.8billion, which could have permanently lifted 2.7 million people in the third world out of poverty, or given £400 to every UK pensioner.

"But the biggest cost is in human misery, for example child malnutrition in Iraq has risen fivefold since the invasion.

"To their shame, Labour MPs voted for war like unthinking sheep. The Lib Dems cannot win in North Swindon and the clearest message voters can send about the war is to vote for me."

Ernie Reynolds (Ind)

"I would argue that we should not be in Iraq at all regardless of monetary cost.

"Human cost is far more relevant as thousands of grieving families and relatives will sadly testify.

"That's unending, and even if Blair eventually abandons this Middle East Adventure there will be a bitter harvest to pay for. I repeat 'Abolish Money' for money will not solve public services or pensions problems other than for those who have most of it.

"It hasn't over the terms of the Government even while Blair and Brown insist we have a vibrant economy. All capitalist economies experience downturns, some dramatic. What hope for services and pensions then?"

Robin Tingey (UKIP)

"I don't know the full cost of the Iraq war, it goes beyond the cost of military supplies and rebuilding materials.

"There is the cost of lives and a tarnished image abroad, particularly the Abu Ghraib scandal. No wonder westerners are called infidels! It would have been much cheaper to stay at home.

"The money could have been better spent, but that is 'water under the bridge'. Going to war is a very serious decision to make. We should not be starting wars."

Justin Tomlinson (Con)

"As an individual, I am furious that Tony Blair mislead this country to 'gain support' for the war.

"Despite everything, it is totally unacceptable that Tony Blair will not even apologise.

"It is reported that £3billion has already been spent on this conflict to date which could and should have been spent on improving front line services such as pensions, schools and hospitals, or even putting money back into the taxpayers' pockets."

Michael Wills (Lab)

"The Budget estimated the total costs of Iraq, Afghanistan and fighting against terrorism at around £5billion to 2006.

"I would prefer not to have to spend on international security but we still need to do so.

"However, in context, by 2008 Labour will be spending, every year, £92billion on the NHS, triple Conservative spending in 1997, and £64billion on education. And the Tories plan spending cuts of £35billion."

Terry Reynolds, 59, lives in Stratton and is a HGV driver for the Royal Mail.

Regardless of political views, if the local council is doing a bad job, surely the town's MPs should take a stand and tell them to get it right and not keep quiet and pretend everything is fine?

Mike Evemy (Lib Dem)

"An MP should first understand the facts and the council's position before criticising. In Swindon's case over recent years, the MPs have had much to criticise, but in my view have not always been fair in their criticism.

"MPs must be responsible in their criticism, recognising their unique position with easy access to government ministers and the media."

Andy Newman (Socialist Unity)

"An MPs job should not just be in parliament (where a backbencher has little influence), they should also be champions for their communities involved in campaigns, including fighting to defend and improve council services.

"Socialist Unity are actively involved in local campaigns, for example defending Malmesbury Maternity Hospital and Save Coate!"

Ernie Reynolds (Ind)

"MPs are transient. Councils remain whichever party is in control. If there is dissatisfaction with performance then it behoves residents to be involved and vocal.

"Chose representatives, attend board meetings with facts and figures. Don't rest until wrongs are put right."

Robin Tingey (UKIP)

"On this point perhaps Coun Justin Tomlinson could explain why Swindon Borough Council continues to participate in the South West Regional Assembly and send council tax payers money there even though such participation is voluntary.

"I think Julia Drown has done a great job complaining about the Coate Water development.

I've got as much right to speak out about the council as anyone else who lives here."

Justin Tomlinson (Con)

"Regardless of political colours, it is vital local residents concerns and issues are put first. As a councillor I have first hand experience of helping to lead on any major issues relating to the council.

"As a local resident I will see any issues first hand, so I will be able to act swiftly to take a lead on driving forward improvements.

"I care very much about the town, and I understand local residents must be put first."

Michael Wills (Lab)

"MPs should never pretend everything is fine with the council when it is not. And I have not.

"Over 50 per cent of the letters I write for Swindonians are to the council getting them to put right their failings. And the Adver has covered some of those epic struggles.

"And it was my intervention with the Labour Government that has secured the extra funding and the supervision by outside agencies that are now tackling the problems in the council."