Letters to the Editor

Sir, - Until we have a total ban on all imported meat from countries infected with foot-and-mouth disease, we are always going to be at high risk from the same catastrophe we are now experiencing. If someone discards a half-eaten contaminated meat sandwich, which is then consumed by an animal capable of spreading the disease, couldn't this have the same drastic results?

The animal rights people have been noticeable by their absence, given that some of the animals involved in this epidemic have been inhumanely slaughtered, and others have massive welfare problems due to movement restrictions. Are people really aware of what is actually happening in the countryside?

British meat is renowned for being the best in the world. The stringent rules and regulations make it so. Why, therefore do we need to import second-rate meat of dubious origin? Do we want a repeat of this unnecessary suffering both of people and animals affected by this, the obscene culling of healthy animals, many of which haven't seen the light of day, just to keep our disease-free status? After all, we are an island so control should be easy shouldn't it?

You have to wonder whether this was an accident at all. We were just getting over the BSE crisis and all that entailed. Nobody wanted our meat then either, and then we get foot-and-mouth disease. It seems ludicrous that we have to get permission from Europe to vaccinate, whilst other countries seem to have licence to do as they please, or is this another shining example of Europe's commitment to itself?

The whole country will feel the backlash of all this for many years to come. I just hope that all the slaughtered animals have not died in vain.

Surely, now is the time to sever our ties with Europe and put the Great back in Britain.

PENNY PLATT

Stillington Road,

Crayke,

York.

The wrong word

Sir, - One of our English dictionaries does not even list the word "dithering", so how has it become :so popular in today's media when describing the government's actions during the foot-and-mouth outbreak?

I think it is a most unfair, derogatory term for what a responsible government department like MAFF has been doing, ie think, deliberate, carefully weigh pros and cons of all decisions and being led by a team of experts.

William Hague clamoured loudly for vaccination of livestock. What does he say now, when the NFU opposes it? Is he capable of admitting that he made a mistake? Was he perhaps not "dithering" enough? Supposing that "dithering" was the new-speak for thinking matters through thoroughly.

It has been easy for farmers to criticise "them", the government, every time some mistake was made in this huge operation to conquer the foot-and-mouth disease. They have blamed those who are helping and forgot how this plague started, on a farm in Heddon-on-the-Wall, not in Whitehall. "A dithering government" has surprisingly been their favourite form of abuse.

Another dictionary says that the origin of the word dithering is uncertain; it might mean shake, thrill, tremble, dodder or totter. What is sure is that the word does not adequately describe thoughtful government action based on scientific advice.

There are so many, more accurate, words to use, appreciative and critical, that we should forget "dithering" altogether.

E M WHITTAKER

Mile Planting,

Richmond.

Grand lads

Sir, - Reading the letter from Mr Pura (D&S, April 20), enquiring about his Canadian father stationed at Leeming Aerodrome in 1943, reminded me of coming to work at a place near Ripon driving a small cattle truck that same year.

One farm I used to delivery to was right in the middle of the drome. Crossing the runway in between bombers taking off could be pretty hazardous, particularly on a dark winter's night.

Coming empty through Boroughbridge one afternoon, I was flagged down by a Canadian bomber crew who were returning from a night on the town and were anxious to get back to Leeming in time to prepare for their night operation. Traffic was light at that time and not every vehicle could pick up a whole crew . With two in the cab I loaded the rest in the back like cattle. Having just delivered a load, one could hardly describe conditions as ideal for carrying passengers.

Dropping them off at the main entrance they overwhelmed me with their appreciations and gratitude. I had enough Camel cigarettes to last me a month. One wonders if Mr Pura's father might have been among them.

DOUGLAS PUNCHARD

Bylands,

Keldholme,

Kirkbymoorside.

Is commerce first consideration?

Sir, - I was gratified to read (D&S April 20) that Mrs Dari Taylor was to ask some questions about the recent planning decision of Stockton Borough Council to allow a restaurant at 661 Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe. I hope that this enquiry will extend to some other decisions where the views of local residents have been ignored.

Some years ago, before the present Yarm railway station was built, it was suggested that the old station be reopened, an ideal site in view of its position on a frequent bus route and its closeness to Yarm High Street.

The proposal was turned down on the grounds that it would generate too much traffic on an already busy road. Yet now we are to have a block of flats at the site of the station and a restaurant across the road, either of which will increase the traffic far more than would a railway station.

Do we infer from this that commercial considerations will always take precedence over environmental ones?

PETER W ELLIOTT

Butterfield Drive,

Eaglescliffe,

Stockton on Tees.

Missed point

Sir, - In his letter (D&S, April 20) Robert Adamson has missed the point.

The North Yorkshire concessionary fares scheme is not run by North Yorkshire County Council but by a partnership of all other councils in the county, this will allow half price travel throughout North Yorkshire as well as major centres outside the county boundary.

Mr Adamson will be able to use his half fare pass to use the Thirsk minibus as Hambleton council has agreed a simplified scheme for the voluntary sector. Thirsk minibus can be contacted on 01845 524990.

North Yorkshire County Council is now asking bus companies to tender for high specification low-floor buses in strategic corridor routes, these will offer easy access to all passengers and these will be phased in during the next four years.

Coun PETER SOWRAY

Environmental Services cabinet member,

North Yorkshire County Council.

The oldest

Sir, - You made two references in last week's Darlington & Stockton Times to Richmond castle being Yorkshire's oldest fortress.

In fact Richmond castle is the oldest castle in Great Britain - see Guinness Book of Records. Building work commenced in 1071 and it was completed in 1100, the keep was added later in 1200.

Richmondshire also boasts the highest public house, the shortest named public house, and not far away in Hambleton is the longest named village in England. The highest unbroken fall of water in England is also but a few miles from Richmond. Answers on a postcard please.

OLIVER BLEASE

Newbiggin,

Richmond.

A mixed race

Sir, - The controversial speech by the Tory MP for Bridlington and the William Hague's reference to a foreign country prompts me to draw attention to Daniel Defoe's poem, A True Born English Man, which starts with the following lines:

The True Born Englishman

In eager rapes, the furious lust begot

Betwixt a painted Briton and a Scot

Whose gend'ring offspring quickly learned to bow

And yoke their heifers to the Roman plough

From hence a mongrel half breed race there came

With neither name nor nation, speech or fame

In whose hot veins now mixture quickly run

Infus'd between a Saxon and a Dane

While their rank daughters, to their parents just

Receiv'd all nations with promiscuous lust

This nauseous blood directly did contain

The well extracted blood of Englishmen....

I would be obliged to learn where I may find the remainder.

VERNON CARTER

Green Howards Road,

Richmond.

Ethnic nonsense

Sir, - In Robin Cook's speech he stated that there is no such race as the British. It is therefore interesting that in the Census form under question eight, "What is your ethnic group?", there is an answer box under British.

Is this not a typical example of how this government likes to spin everything to fit in with what it wants at any moment. It doesn't mind changing things to suit itself and the moment. The last thing that seems to matter is the truth.

J D TROTTER

East Layton Hall.

Richmond.