I do not think that we will ever get to the bottom of what I also believe to be a bogus dispute, because let's face it on every level the mediai in this country are a sham.Even the BBC have debased itself over recent years and there are better levels of journalism in hello magazine. As a loyal labour non Blairite, I have to say that a lot of this is to blame on spin. The press no longer take any notice of government sources convinced that the info has been spun out of control. Its a case of what comes around goes around.Oggie, the result of giving people the choice of more pounds in their pocket has to have a negatve effect on indirect taxation. Governments don't give money away they simply redistribute cost through other channels -the choice of which is given to us through our right to vote. In times of lower inflation a lower tax rate was probably the right choice to make. regards Terry K's point on the NHS, are you saying everyones taxes should pay for the training of doctors and nurses pay for the infrastructue and yet those with money can rise to the top of the queue. Private health companies want ot build clinics in the grounds of NHS hospitals -why is that I wonder???