12 JULY 2003, Page 29

Powerless memories

From Celia Haddon Sir: I well remember going to work in cold dark offices lit by candles because of the power cuts ('Whistling in the dark', by Simon Nixon, 5 July). There was a three-day week for many workers because factories had to close down. I recall returning home through streets without street lights to huddle round the fire with my then family. But this wasn't under Old Labour. It was under the Tory government of Edward Heath.

Celia Haddon

London SW1

From Mr MCD. Holmes Sir: Your correspondent Simon Nixon tells us that the government is powerless to prevent an energy crisis which could strike as early as this winter. To bring such a crisis about, at a time when electricity is in oversupply, demand is no more than moderate, and the price of oil is stable would be quite an achievement, even for the present government.

M.C.D. Holmes

London SW1