22 JANUARY 1972, Page 18

Victor and Stephen

Sir: May I point out that in the Times of January 17 another eminent public figure, Mr Stephen Murphy, secretary of the British Board of Film Censors has joined Lord Rothschild in providing photographic illustration to support by example the desirability of cigarette smoking. It would be interesting to see how would Mr Murphy, whose job is to protect us, especially our youth, from harmful influences, defend his defence of governmental r olicy, public opinion, and medical evidence. It would be particularly appreciated if he would explain, how could he reconcile refusing a certificate to Trash, when he knows that the particular drug to which he is addicted, kills more people than all other non-medically taken drugs together.

F. Kellerman 6 Ardleigh Court, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex.