17 FEBRUARY 2001, Page 63

Q. Wandering around Peter Jones the other day, I was

dismayed to find that a simple, plain white, 100 per cent cotton, king-sized duvet cover costs £53. Knowing how little the raw ingredients would cost — if only one knew where to buy sheeting in 2m 30cm widths — I felt bitter. Then my eye happened upon something called a 'duvet liner'

at £24. It, too, was king-sized, plain white and 100 per cent cotton. Other than the fact that it cost £29 less than the 'duvet cover', there was no discernible difference. What's in a name? as they say. I offer this tip to any readers who, like me, might be too mean or too poor to pay the unnecessary difference.

T S. W., London SW1

A. How kind of you to submit this cheering tip.