Sir, - Your headline last week, "Britain's biggest farmer (ie the Co-op) bans 20 pesticides" was eye-catching; the article that followed was heartening.

The Co-op has highlighted many serious defects in how new chemicals are insinuated into farming practice and also noted how reluctant government is to withdraw suspect chemicals.

Take organophosphates for example. When I was involved in their manufacture over 40 years ago, we were fully aware of their toxicity to humans and took appropriate precautions, including routine medical checks.

Government, by contrast, not only ignored data available within the chemical industry but at one period even obliged farmers to use chemicals. And now it has commissioned a university study to see "if the chemicals pose any danger to human health!"

One hopes the work of the Co-op will become widely known, it should be compulsory reading for employees of MAFF's successor. And where does the health and safety executive stand in all this?

Dr W A FORSTER

Wellington Mews,

Ripon.

Don't fall for PR

Sir, - As those advocating a regional assembly galvanise their troops for a public relations offensive, my hope is that the common sense of the people of the North-East will prevail against it.

It does seem strange, however, that the North-East Regional Assembly organisation, which so arrogantly boasts of the overwhelming support of people, should need to spend a significant sum of money on a promotional video for the assembly, market research and PR advice on a corporate image.

This extravagance at the taxpayers' expense would rather suggest that supporters of a regional assembly are aware of the truth of the matter, which is that few here in the North-East view an assembly as relevant to the social and economic challenges of this region.

As the debate progresses I hope the local media will not prove to be an additional wing of the PR machine for the pro-assembly lobby. There is an alternative view that believes increased regional bureaucracy is not the solution to the social and economic ills of our region - let's hope it has the opportunity to be heard.

MARTIN CALLANAN MEP

Conservative, North-East region

Jesmond,

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Earning respect

Sir, - I read, with breathlessly increasing interest, the Darlington & Stockton Times eulogy of MP William Hague (D&S, July 6) and wondered if a new "soap" was being set up? I also read in the Mail on Sunday (July 1) of Mr Hague's intention to seek a career in the hills of Montana or Texas.

However, to be more serious, if Mr Hague can produce a hospital with an accident and emergency department, in Richmondshire, he will then have truly earned everyone's respect and thanks.

The Duchess of Kent campaigners offer him every support to achieve this.

Coun TONY PELTON

Joiner's Cottage,

High Green,

Catterick.

Praiseworthy

Sir, - I should like to take this opportunity to thank the three young people who very kindly helped me with a road traffic incident a couple of weeks ago.

It is exactly this kind of public spirited attitude I am pleased to say is alive and kicking in Richmond.

MICHELE VINCENT

Town Clerk,

Richmond Town Hall,

Market Place,

Richmond.