3 JANUARY 2004, Page 55

Q. Re double-breasted suits (22 November). The double-breasted suit has

one particular merit. If (when) one develops what the Australians call the 'veranda over the toy shop', the DBS automatically becomes single.

C.B., Barkway-, Herts

A. Thank you for giving readers a laugh. Q. Re handshakes (6 December). To avoid the agony of a brutal handshake, press your thumb between the thumb and forefinger of the other person so that he (or she) cannot exert pressure on your hand. I hope this will do the trick!

G.B.C., Belfast A. Thank you for this tip, which readers may find useful despite the fact that I was unable to come to grips with it myself