6 DECEMBER 1997, Page 36

A fair hearing

Sir: I read Andrew Gowers's letter (22 November) with interest.

Yes, of course, I have graced the columns of the Financial Times no fewer than three times since the end of August. But perhaps I should point out that two of the letters were on the compulsory recognition of trade unions and the third, on the IoD's business view of EMU, was published on 20 November, after Bruce Anderson's article of 15 November. But better late than never. It is vital for all our sakes that both sides of the EMU debate are given a fair hearing in all papers of influence, including the FT. And if no 'new voices' are fulfilling this function, then 'old voices' should be per- mitted to. Perhaps I should also point out that my colleague's letter was on the technicalities of EMU rather than the business view on EMU and, therefore, doesn't count!

Ruth Lea

Institute of Directors, 116 Pall Mall, London SW1