Sir,

I welcome the interest which your correspondent Eloise Davies is taking in the financial situation.

The government are having to make cuts in many areas of spending. This is because the UK owes over one trillion pounds and is short of over £100 million every year which has to be borrowed and added to the debt already owed.

It would be very easy for MPs like myself to pretend there is no problem and carry on borrowing then leave it to Ms Davies' generation to sort out the mess.

However, we are not going to take the easy route and within four years we intend to ensure that the debt is no longer rising and the UK is spending what it receives in taxes.

As for getting rid of GCSEs, I dont know if they have become easier or if Ms Davies' generation have become more clever than mine (I am sure she will have a view).

However, we can all agree that an exam which virtually everyone passes will not serve the purpose of enabling employees and universities to judge people's academic skills, which is one of the prime purposes of any exam.

I have just completed a short question and answer article about the need for spending cuts which is on my website.

I understand the fears that Ms Davies has over spending plans and I would welcome the chance to discuss them with her, or other young people. I can be contacted anytime via the office on 01291 672817.

David Davies MP

(Monmouth)