12 JULY 1986, Page 26

LETTERS Buddget deficit

Sir: Lord Bruce-Gardyne (The economy, 28 June) is, of course, welcome to his choice of tiger-hunting companions. I my- self would hesitate before embarking on any sort of hazardous adventure with a man who can write a long personal attack in the Spectator on the basis of third-hand tittle-tattle.

I do believe that more should be done to alleviate the particular problem of long- term unemployment and I have said so many times (no apostasy there), but if he can establish that I have ever written or said that the deficit should be increased by Ll. billion, I shall willingly pay his next year's subscription to this journal.

Alan Budd

London Business School, Sussex Place, London NW1