I NOTE that once again you have printed letters (Frank Avenell May 2 and R W Selway May 9) that contain misleading and incorrect information about asylum seekers and refugees.

It needs to be stated that, out of all the world's refugees and asylum seekers, just two per cent come to the UK. Since their top four countries of origin are Iraq, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Somalia, it is apparent that most are indeed fleeing from repression and conflict.

Home Office figures show that over 50 per cent eventually receive permission to stay, because their lives would be in danger if they returned.

Far from living lives of luxury here, on huge handouts (as Mr Selway appears to believe) asylum seekers are given very basic accommodation and £37.77 a week to live on, placing an adult 30 per cent below the official UK poverty line. Bedding, kitchen equipment, second-hand clothing, stamps for letters home and money for travel and leisure activities are often provided by generous volunteers.

Many asylum seekers possess valuable skills and would like to work, but they are not allowed to do so while their cases are being considered, which can take months or years.

Already traumatised by war and persecution and worrying about family and friends, they live with the strain of continual uncertainty about their future. To this is added the atmosphere of suspicion and hostility engendered by the many myths spread by a section of our press.

ELSPETH WOLLEN

Wroughton