I AM writing in answer to your request for readers' reactions to your lead story in the Uxbridge Gazette of November 4 about Lord Rosser's expenses (I am innocent).

I question whether Lord Rosser has been given an opportunity to repond to the allegations made by a tabloid newspaper.

Further investigation will surely show that his financial dealings have been conducted honourably and within the existing rules.

Speaking as someone from Ickenham who has known Richard Rosser for many years, I can tell you that he is a man of the highest integrity, with a fine record of political service to the borough, whose family are stalwarts of the Ickenham community.

He has used the last five years in the service of his country by working hard in the chamber of the House of Lords and on various working parties and committees.

He has frequently invited local groups to tour the Palace of Westminster, proving a knowledgeable guide to the sometimes arcane workings of our political system.

I recognise his great ethical standards, his spiritual side, and the dedication and hard work he brings to everything he does.

To my mind, the overwhelming impression one gets from the ongoing investigation into parliamentary expenses is that there has been a lot of understandable confusion arising from a system that was not properly formulated (you do indeed call it 'lax') nor adequately administered.

Recommmendations seem to have been made retrospectively, which instinctively appears unfair. If Lord

Rosser's affairs were viewed with all this in mind, I think you would find the allegations to be misplaced.

DIANA MAY Swakeleys Road

Ickenham