13 MARCH 1993, Page 30

Flogging the point

Sir: Frederick Lawton's discussion of the shortcomings of our penal system (Prison is not enough', 27 February) reminds me of an incident which took place whilst I was at university.

It would have been in, I suppose, 1976 or 1977 that my College Union debated a motion calling for the bringing back of 'the birch'. I spoke in support of the motion, which, despite vociferous objections and indignant protests, was carried with ease.

On leaving the debate, I was accosted by one whose views on the matter I knew to be somewhat different from mine. 'Just think,' he said. `How would you like to be birched?' Had he, I wonder, missed the same point as our political leaders of the recent decades?

Robert Ludlow

8 Douglas Avenue, Hythe, Kent