THE suggestion by Robert Taylor (no relation) that I should be given an MBE, or be called "Sir John" was much appreciated. And the heading of the letter (Arise "Sir" John Taylor, March 29) was very appropriate. I was confined to bed after a heart attack.

However, I must stress, others are more deserving than I, particularly Parity's national officers David Lindsay and David Yarwood.

Without their unstinting voluntary endeavours, with support from several organisations and their members, widowers would not be receiving statutory survivor's benefits as widows. Nor would men over 60 now be receiving: free NHS prescriptions; winter fuel payments and half-fare bus passes.

The campaign continues for the ultimate goal of an equal state pension age and to stop working men aged between 60 and 65 being forced to pay National Insurance contributions, the same as women.

To support the campaign, and for more details, contact David Yarwood, on 01344 621167 or the Parity website at www.parity-uk.org

John Taylor,

Dean Road,

Norton-on-Derwent,

Malton.

Updated: 11:02 Thursday, April 10, 2003