18 MAY 2002, Page 74

Q. I am fed up with Stephen Byers. I cannot

understand why he has not been forced to resign. Each time I see him on television, my blood boils. Mary, can you see a way to shift him?

M.D., Wiltshire

A. Yes, but I would not release this tip at the moment, being of the opinion that it is much better that Mr Byers stays. As long as he remains in office, he serves as a handy visual aid to remind voters of the sorry defects at the heart of government.