5 JANUARY 1991, Page 20

Prison service

Sir: I regret the esteemed Spectator is not yet regular or required reading among the inmates or medicine men at the prison where I minister as Methodist chaplain. Otherwise I would not have to reproduce Dr Dalrymple's often devastating columns on HM prisons and prisoners' lives. His last visitation (15 December) on poisoners preparing jam tarts in prison kitchens almost sent me into stitches to his surgery `Arise, Sir Buggins. for a broken rib. His effect on inmates is healthfully hilarious.

William Glenesk

The Methodist Church London Mission, 3 Twyford Avenue, London N2