27 JULY 2002, Page 33

Flawed law

From Mr George Charpentier Sir: Thank you for writing against the con tinued destruction of the basic principles of British law that the new rape legislation represents (Leading article, 13 July, and subsequent correspondence). It is truly bizarre that a woman can be held responsible for driving while drunk, but on her arrival at her destination suddenly loses all legal competency to agree to having sex. 1 hope the British will laugh the Home Secretary out of the House.

George Charpentier

Saskatchewan, Canada