MARTIN Tilstone is right to bemoan the failure of the Labour Government and the city's Lib Dem council to deliver real improvements in the education system for York's children.

It is not acceptable for them to have to be taught in mixed year classes, nor with soaring class sizes.

The Conservatives have committed to providing an extra £15 billion a year for schools by 2009-10.

We are also committed to scrapping central targets - allowing individual schools to set their own priorities to suit pupils' needs. Head teachers and governors will get the autonomy they want to provide the best for our children. Paperwork will be cut, allowing teachers to get back to teaching.

Britain's children deserve the best education system in the world.

Although Tony Blair chanted "education, education, education" as his priority eight years' ago, parents are still waiting for value for our money.

Mr Tilstone asks whether any politicians can be trusted to deliver on their commitments.

Within the first day of a Conservative Government we will set out plans to give head teachers the power to expel disruptive pupils. It is common sense to give head teachers in York the authority to run their schools properly. It's time for a change.

Clive Booth,

York's Conservative

parliamentary candidate,

Ash Street,

York.

Updated: 09:26 Friday, April 22, 2005