14 MAY 2005, Page 64

Q. I share with the cousin of your correspondent (I.T.,

16 April) a liking for Kilner jars. In this part of the world, southern Spain, they provide a refuge from insects. If, once opened, rice, biscuits etc. were not safely stored in Kilner or screwtop jars, thousands of ants would beat a trail to my larder door. The original packets can be kept in a drawer for neurotics to read. Whether or not they look dull surely depends on their contents.

M.A., Cadiz, Spain A. Many thanks for reminding readers of this threat in sunnier climes. Rather than keeping the packets in a drawer, it would be more practical to cut out the information regarding ingredients, calorie counts and sell-by dates, and slide them into the Kilner jar.