15 DECEMBER 1984, Page 23

Apricot jam

Sir: The basic reason for Bulgarian apricot jam being superior to ours (Alan Watkins, Diary, 1 December) is that we do not grow apricots. The truth is that Australian IXL apricot jam is better than any make, and they are capitalists. This jam is unobtain- able commercially in this country, owing to diabolical EEC regulations. It makes me wonder if we know our own friends. Oliver Ranson

Gordons Lodge, Ashton, Northampton