SIR - To my horror, I recently became aware that smokers can get free prescriptions on the NHS to help them quit. However, people like myself who suffer from the life-threatening condition Cystic Fibrosis have to pay for our medication as soon as we leave full-time non-advanced education.

I start university in September and already I have to worry about paying for my prescriptions out of my student loan. Not only will I have the usual hardships of a student such as optician and dentist fees, text books etc, but my medication prescription could cost me a great deal of money. Without my medication for a condition I was born with, I would without a doubt lose my life.

I do not smoke or abuse my body. I just fight to survive a condition that, left untreated, would cause lung failure and malnutrition.

Although life expectancy for Cystic Fibrosis is 31 years, I am optimistic. I look forward to going to university, getting a good job and putting something back through tax and national insurance.

The Government won't pay for me to go to university, but why won't they pay to keep me alive?

Sharee McPhail, Moser Avenue, Bradford 2.

SIR - I am trying to trace a John Porter, from Larne, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, who lived in Bradford during the 1950s. He was a good friend of the Fletcher family, then from Odsal. News of his whereabouts would be very much appreciated, on 01689 837892.

Mrs Valeria Eastwood (nee Fletcher), Sandhurst Road, Orpington, Kent.

SIR - The most enthusiastic supporter of regional assemblies, which will totally destroy England as a nation, is the Anglican Church. Will the English church then become a regional church - a north-east, south-west, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire branches church?

No, because it would lose its national maintenance payments. However it, and I, know that there is now an EU fund into which it will be allowed access providing regional assemblies go ahead.

I know that most Anglicans are patriotic, so I hope they will make their voices heard against the destruction of our country. I have no problem being European, but I want to be English European, as there are, and will continue to be, German, French, Irish, even Scottish Europeans.

It's hardly surprising the English are being treated with contempt. Just look at our political masters. Tony (I'm proud to be of Irish descent") Blair, Ian ("I consider myself a Scot") Duncan Smith, Charles ("I'm a highlander") Kennedy.

And when the leader of the unionists in Northern Ireland was asked if England should have its own parliament now that Scotland and Northern Ireland have theirs, he declared arrogantly "No way!"

Eric Firth, Wellington Street, Wilsden.

SIR - I was sickened to read that Southwark Council has banned the use of our national flag during this summer's football World Cup and the Queen's Jubilee.

Why? The Council thinks the sight of the Union Jack might offend people from ethnic minorities!

I can assure them that many people will be offended at this decision, including people from ethnic minorities! The Union Jack is a symbol of this great country and all it has done throughout the history to protect freedom and fight against the persecution of minorities; standing up to fascists in Germany, protecting the Kurdish minorities in North and South Iraq and the Balkans; and more recently ending the barbaric regime in Afghanistan.

The Union Jack is a symbol under which all British people can and should unite and feel proud to be British.

Coun Andrew Smith (Con, Queensbury), Chapel Street, Queensbury.

SIR - In the T&A (March 26) there was mention of the forming of a new Bradford Global Orchestra, but there was no mention in the actual Capital of Culture bid of existing orchestral and choral groups.

There are the City of Bradford Chamber Orchestra and Airedale Symphony Orchestra; there are Bradford Festival Choral Society, Bradford Chorale and several other choirs, whose existence does not seem to be recognised.

Surely all these societies will have a vital role to play for Bradford to become the Capital of Culture?

If a new music venue is to be built it is to be hoped that these groups, including the local amateur operatic societies, are consulted at the planning stage and that the final outcome is within their financial reach.

Cynthia Trasi, Kirkgate, Shipley.

SIR - I recently received a circular from the Post Office which said "no charge for holiday money". Before I rang the Post Office, I looked at the current exchange rate on Ceefax. This was 1,6185 euros to the pound sterling.

When I rang the Post Office Counters Ltd, I was told their rate was 1,540 euros to the pound sterling.

No charge for holiday money? Don't you believe it!

Alan Shorrock, Park Wood Drive, Skipton.

SIR - Your correspondent Les Evans (Letters, April 3) quite rightly highlights the problem of litter across the district. But his suggestion that people should refuse to pay Council Tax until something is done is blatantly wrong.

I would remind Mr Evans that it is not the Council that creates the litter; it is put there by people with too little regard for the well-being of the communities in which they live.

Unless and until we can all take more pride and care in the environment in which we live, then the Council will continue to face an uphill battle to keep our streets clean.

Nobody is suggesting that Bradford is perfect, but those who constantly seek to do it down serve only to reinforce the stereotypes and prejudices held by others.

Councillor Margaret Eaton, Leader of Bradford Council, City Hall.

SIR - Why has James Street School in Thornton recently had the chevrons repainted outside the school when the school no longer exists?

Mrs J Lister, George Street, Thornton.