9 SEPTEMBER 1978, Page 17

Marriage ministry

Sir: In his article 'The marriage machine' (26 August) Patrick Cosgrave has erected an edifice on very shaky foundations.

The Home Office has made no recommendation about the appointment of a Minister for Marriage. I realise this is the 'silly season', but would Patrick Cosgrave, like other commentators, please contain his excitement until it can be seen what the Working Party on Marriage Gyidance (not exclusively bureaucratic) actually says? The totality of its recommendations can then be considered in context.

D. D. Grant Director of Information, Home Office, Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1