2 APRIL 1988, Page 24

Critical yen

Sir: As a former freelance journalist, I know how hard it is to earn an honest penny, but isn't Richard West (`The idyllic labour camp', 19 March) becoming just a teeny bit obsessive? He has now published vitriolic attacks on my novel, The Last Man Out of Saigon, in Punch, the Daily Mail, the Far East Economic Review and The Spectator (twice).

If he is planning anymore, would he please note that it is no longer available in hardback, but was recently reprinted by Corgi at £2.50. It is also about to be published in the United States and Japan. Who knows, if Mr West were to stick a carbon in his typewriter, he might be able to earn himself a few yen.

Chris Mullin

House of Commons, London SW1