19 FEBRUARY 1994, Page 25

Sir: In Simon Heifer's unkind article there are various inaccuracies,

one of which was to accuse Harold Macmillan of being osten- tatious. In fact, he spent little on himself and his clothes were the despair of his fami- ly. When he retired as prime minister, he lived for some years in a small flat at Birch Grove which had previously been the ser- vants' quarters. He also insisted on travel- ling by public transport until his failing eye- sight made this increasingly dangerous. Almost to the end of his long life he would take the late train home alone after a din- ner engagement in London.

I know that I am far from being alone in remembering him as a wise and patriotic man — (an actor, perhaps, but aren't all politicians actors up to a point?) — who did a great deal for his country and will be remembered long after the author and Mr Enoch Powell are forgotten.

Marie-Louise de Zulueta

Flat 5, 7 Prince's Gate, London SW7