7 NOVEMBER 1998, Page 30

Rude!

Sir: I am sorry that Sheila Gunn ('Tories who have women trouble', 24 October) thinks that I am 'ghastly'. I have never met her, although I recall reading much about her in the national newspapers. John Major, who represents the neighbouring constituency of Hunting- don, has always been most courteous and polite to me. What a pity one cannot say the same of his former press secretary.

Helen Brinton MP

House of Commons, London SW1