I was a bit surprised to read Des Moffat's letter in the Adver (December 2) defending the Government's proposed introduction of tuition fees.

I have always thought of Des as an example of old Labour thinking, and now he seems to be singing from the New Labour song-book.

Des says there are only three options to cope with increasing student numbers. He lists these as: cut the number of students (Tory), increase the basic rate of income tax (Lib-Dem) or bring in tuition fees (New Labour). But there is another option, which old Labour would have recognised, and which as a socialist I put forward.

Do none of the above, and tax the rich.

A new top rate of tax of 60p for earnings over £50,000 would raise £19 billion per year. Putting corporation tax (on big businesses) back up to the same level New Labour inherited from the Tories would raise another £12 billion. A ten percent wealth tax on people who have more than £1 billion in personal wealth would net over £10 billion. This would pay for free education for all our students, and much more besides.

It is sensible and fair for people who are much better off to help pay for essential services.

Once upon a time that was what Labour used to argue itself. What ever did happen to the Labour party?

Andy Newman

Secretary Swindon Socialist Alliance

Avenue Road

Swindon