20 MAY 2000, Page 29

Heath encounter

From Mr Earle Cross Sir: I enjoyed Frank Johnson's piece on the rudest man in England (Shared opinion, 6 May), though I question his observation that Sir Edward has never been rude to those who cannot answer back.

As a young, resting actor in the Seventies I worked in Harrods' book department. Mr Heath came in, flanked by two security men, and I approached him with the time- honoured words, 'Can I help you?' With what?' he barked at me. I stumbled a reply, and I think he softened. He had recently written a book on sailing, so he said, 'How's the book selling?'

I resisted the temptation to say, 'What book?'

Earle Cross.

PO Box 126, Berry, NSW, Australia