15 DECEMBER 1967, Page 26

Drunk in charge

Sir: For such a wealthy and extremely able man as Mr Leonard Cottrell to write so irresponsible a letter (8 December) is almost incomprehensible.

Does he not realise that this country is over- crowded with

(a) People to the extent of 20 million?

(b) Motor-cars by far too many?

(c) Ignorant, stubborn, aggressive, careless and incompetent drivers?

(d) Dangerously aged and defective vehicles?

Does he not realise that there are millions upon millions of other people just as pink inside as he is? He has, according to his letter, two methods of counteracting ennui with his vocation of writing. These are driving fast vehicles and drinking.

He asks for a solution. There are three: give up either driving or drinking or both.

I suggest he gives up driving, because he is, in this, out of context, out of date, and far too extremely selfish and dangerous a man to be let loose on the public, poor dears, so unpredictable and foolish, but, nevertheless, with just the same rights as himself.

P. E. P. Routley 35 Duddingston Park, Edinburgh 15, Midlothian