Sir, - A radio advert tells listeners that the Government protects the money people have in their bank and building society accounts. It adds that this service is “free of charge”.

Stopping banks going bust is a service performed by the Government which is far from being “free of charge”. It cost taxpayers tens of billions a few years ago. Who do the Government think they are fooling? I suppose the obvious answer is: the dumber half of the population.

RALPH MUSGRAVE Durham