29 APRIL 1989, page 27

Ministry Of Fear

Sir: With all the recent restrictions on Personal liberty originating in the in- nocuous sounding 'Home Office', is it not now time for a change of title for this department.......

Sniping

Sir: Jeffrey Bernard speculates in his arti- cle 'Living dangerously' (25 March) about Salman Rushdie's discomforts in his hide- out and says'... your room would get very stuffy......

Bucharest Is Better

Sir: You share Doughty Street with the Dickens lovers (of whom I am one), so Perhaps you will have realised that much of the ill-tempered criticism of President Nicolae......

What Separates Us

Sir: It is often forgotten that until 1 January 1973 the UK formed part of Efta LETTERS It is also little known that on that same date practically all restrictions on trade in......

'may I Obstruct You?'

Sir: J. G. Links (Letters, 15 April) is quite observant about middle-rungers who sur- round themselves with secretaries. It's exasperating here in Hong Kong: not only does one......

Polite Conversation

Sir: May I suggest a modification of Mr Michie's list of inconsiderate behaviour (Brushing up manners', 1 April)? Con- versation thrives ill under compulsion, and stands to gain......

Without Comment The Following Press Release From The...

gallery was received by The Spectator this week. Anthony d'Offay, 9 and 23 Dering Street, New Bond Street, London W1 . 01-499 4100. GILBERT AND GEORGE RE: Reproduction and......