15 FEBRUARY 1997, Page 23

Naughty boy

Sir: Mr Glover (Media studies, 6 February) is fantasising again in suggesting that at any time I have had any conversation with any member of the Evening Standard staff about running a knocking piece — or indeed, any piece — about The Spectator. When he next puts pen to paper about the Standard, I am willing to lend him the 10p for a telephone call to discover in advance whether the story has a stilt to stand on. After he passes GCSE on the use of the telephone in journalism, I will even buy him a new pair of school shorts.

Max Hastings

Evening Standard, 2 Derry Street, London W8