2 MARCH 1985, Page 21

Ponting

Sir: It is true that the libel law in Britain is in need of reform, the cause of much child- ish, petty and vexatious litigation, yet it is possible, while avoiding libel, lawfully to rip someone to pieces with innuendo, as show by the treatment in your columns (Politics, 16 February) of poor Mr Ponting. That he should be a member of the SDP and of the Buddhist Society, a resident of Islington, solitary, with staring eyes, pur- sed lips and a prissy manner is irrelevant to the moral and legal aspects of his action. Where I live, he would have a remedy under Section 57 of the Greek Civil Code for 'offence to one's personality'.

Hugo F. Reading

loanninon 6, Palaio Psychiko, Athens