30 AUGUST 2003, Page 27

Undeserved insult

From Lord Hanson Sir What personal grudge against Sir Hayden Phillips causes Andrew Gimson to write his spiteful piece (16 August) about one of the finest examples of our much envied British Civil Service? Your headline — 'Charming wit or oily Welshman?'

— was just insulting.

The timing of the piece was especially unsympathetic. Sir Hayden's current workload on the reorganisation of his department is absolutely vital to us all and must be heavier than at any other time in his career — even for his experienced shoulders. He will doubtless handle it with his customary aplomb, but he and we certainly can do without such sneering, unhelpful pieces.

Nul points, Gimson.

Hanson

London SW7