Jack Straw is the Labour Party candidate for Blackburn.

1) Do you think the veil worn by some Muslim women is a 'mark of separation' and hinders community cohesion?

This is a free country. I have always defended a woman's right to wear the full veil if she chooses to do so. I am on record opposing the policy of the French government and others to bring in laws banning the veil.

Women who do wear the full veil regularly seek my advice at my constituency surgeries; I treat them with the same respect and attention as all constituents.

At the same time I am concerned about how we can better ensure mutual understanding in our town between the different faith traditions, which is why I made the observations I did in 2006.

2)What do you think is the best way to help small businesses in the present economic climate?

Through Labour's policies of securing the recovery. When the world-wide financial tsunami hit the UK Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling made the right judgements to nationalise Northen Rock, put money into the economy, and took specific actions to help small businesses, including deferral of PAYE and VAT, better arrangements with the banks and much else.

In Blackburn I've held three successful "Business Summits" with the council, and helpd many small businesses.

The Conservatives made the wrong calls throughout the recession and their discredited plans to slash public spending this year risk harming the recovery, and a loss of many jobs..

3) What would be your exit strategy if any, with regards to the war in Afghanistan?

The "exit strategy" is clear, and essential. It is to ensure a greater measure of safety and prosperity for the Afghan people and train up their security forces.

No nation wants external forces on its territory - and Britain has no desire to be there for longer than is necessary.

But ensuring stability is vital for the future of Pakistan as well as Afghanistan.

4)Would you increase the number of days a terror suspect can be held without charge or do you think current laws are sufficient?

There is now no case for increasing the limit. The laws are sufficient, and in any event should be reviewed in the next Parliament to see whether there are any parts whose effect could be reduced or dropped altogether.

5)Name the best thing you would do to help your constituency if you are elected as MP?

Above all, to listen with care to my constituents, about what is the best that they want.

My suggestions - the obvious ones, more jobs, prosperity, but also even greater efforts to secure community cohesion, and a partlicular interest of mine - building up to a full University in the town. This would make a big difference to its future.