THE re-introduction of National Service would increase the defence budget by at least £40 billion, which works out at over £15 per taxpayer each week (Letters, May 12).

Taking that amount of people out of the workforce, while we have full employment, would mean that employers would have a choice between increasing wages; bring in workers from abroad; or move out of the UK.

The 1930s are considered to have had the least petty crime than any other decade in the twentieth century. There was no National Service in the 1930s. However, petty crime increased through out the 40s and 50s and National Service was in place then. I do not believe that National Service caused the increase in petty crime; neither do I believe that it would reduce petty crime now; even if we were to pay the extra tax needed.

In addition, the joint chiefs of staff do not want National Service.

The majority of today's youngsters remain level headed and decent, despite the pressures of modern living.

I see little difference between young people today and those I knew as a teenager in the 1960s.

GERARD W CAVALIER, Woolston, Southampton.