28 MARCH 1958, Page 19

CONVERTED VANS AND PURCHASE TAX

Sta,—That it should come to this! If I buy a van and choose to convert my van into my shooting brake (from which I am not going to shoot anything— absurd name) by the exercise of my skill and labour, I must, apparently, inform my officer of Customs and Excise, What if I don't?

I find it hard to reconcile my faith in human nature with the belief that anyone would fall for this bit of official bullying. But, then, I suppose people who accept our licensing laws, our absurd edicts against homosexuality and our foreign policy will accept anything.—Yours faithfully,

IAN SAINSBURY

21 A lbury Road, Jestnond. Newcastle upon Tyne 2