RECENTLY I needed to phone someone. I looked in my BT Phone Book for the directory inquiries number. It's 118 500.

But out of curiosity, I checked the small print to find out what my inquiry would cost and was amazed to discover BT will charge £1.39 per minute, plus a 49p connection charge, a total of £1.88, more, if it takes them longer than a minute.

Remembering what a call would cost before BT was privatised, ie nothing, I did feel we've been done. If it's of interest to other readers, I've now found a number for free calls, it's 0800 118 3733. You have to listen to some adverts for a few moments, but that's all.

Stan Walinets,

Mickleton.