13 DECEMBER 1986, Page 34

No mean host

Sir: Christopher Silvester's letter (6 De- cember) refers to Frank Johnson's 'legen- dary social vice of meanness'. This is a disgraceful smear. From long and enjoy- able personal experience, I can produce unequivocal, repeat unequivocal, evidence that meanness is not, repeat not, among Mr Johnson's social vices. Indeed his noto- rious addiction to champagne makes his generosity all the more expensive for him, and all the more enjoyable for his acolytes such as your humble servant

Robin Day

Garrick Club, Gapick Street, London WC2