16 FEBRUARY 2002, Page 65

Q. I have a very good local butcher. My problem

is that, although he claims not to charge extra for delivery, he always seems to send a bigger cut of meat than I asked for when I placed the telephone order, perhaps as a way of making it worth his while to deliver. How can I ensure he stays within his guidelines?

K.F.G., Wiltshire A. Decide what you want to spend, then say when ordering, for example. 'Can I have twenty quid's worth of rack of lamb?', and announce that you will leave the cheque out for him. In this way you can outwit him.