Expensive campaign

There has been a furious reaction to the £2 million publicity campaign by the Scottish Executive in a bid to persuade people to use their votes.

It appears money has been squandered on such luxuries as 43,000 pens at a cost of 28,516, which is 66p per pen, and 33,000 Post-it pads for 19,216, or 58p per pad.

According to the Finance Secretary, John Swinney, these items are "only a small part" of the budget for promoting elections. However, these everyday items can be purchased in the local corner shop for a fraction of the price.

I trust these prices are not indicative of what our lords and masters pay on a day-to-day basis for stationery. Such quantities could be provided at less than a tenth of these prices. This begs the question: Do such contracts go out to competitive tender and, if so, who is invited to tender?

In any case, the campaign failed, considering the numbers of voters who didn't turn out at the recent elections.

DAVID M STEEL

Springfield Terrace, South Queensferry, West Lothian