I agree with J R Stevens' view (Letters, July 2) that the way pensioners are treated in this country is unacceptable.

France has equal state pensions for men and women at 60. Why not here? We have the fourth-richest economy in the world.

Instead, the Government is creating a moral panic about how much can be found to fund pensions and is planning a further deferral of pensionable age for women to 65.

Parity believes that 45 years of working life is enough for many people and especially manual labourers and blue-collar workers, who are, at 60, often burnt-out.

New technology and globalisation have provided few employment opportunities for older people.

According to medical opinion, after 60 years of age, we can expect at least 13 years of deteriorating health.

Parity is campaigning to secure equal state pensions at 60 for men and women.

-David Anthony, Parity, St Andrews Road, Portslade