ALISON Rowat reports that almost a million people visited food banks last year ("No sign of a party for the poor as food banks loom", The Herald, April 18).

David Gaukes MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, makes one wonder what planet he has been living on when he opines that the food banks have not really increased in numbers, but rather that the media has publicised them more. His detachment from reality suggests that he should get out more.

Others look on at the commitment of the organisers and volunteers of such banks and are impressed. A large number of people are resorting to them out of desperation. Many find it difficult to understand that, at a time when the need for food banks is growing, many children in the UK continue to live in poverty, and those on state benefits, disabled or otherwise, are being hard-pressed, bankers' bonuses still reach levels beyond the wildest dreams of most of us and some men for playing at football are being paid hundreds of thousands of pounds each week.

The UK, while it may consider itself worthy of praise for its tolerance, sense of fair play, equality, respect for others, and commitment to democracy, still has a long and hard road to travel before arriving at the destination of a true common­wealth.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie.