14 MAY 1977, Page 18

Fleet St.

Sir: It was quite like old times to read Richard West's realistic and perceptive assessment of the Fleet Street situation ia the Spectator (5 April). As one who has recently retired from fifty years in Provincial and national composing rooms, I welcomed it. Warmly I applaud you for publishing it, for I realise that the truths it contains will not exactly be palatable to many workers in Fleet Street papers. Harold S. Priestley

16 Alexandra Drive, Manchester