15 FEBRUARY 1997, Page 23

Gut loathing

Sir: Anne McElvoy incorrectly quoted me as having described David Mellor as 'a revolting little man' (`Spies, leaks, rows and lawyers' letters', 1 February). A rather grand dismissal. My actual words were `utterly gruesome'; rather more visceral as his sleek phoniness is so unbearable.

Robin Bliley

Bear Wharf, 27 Bankside, London SE1