21 FEBRUARY 2004, Page 26

In praise of Black

From William Shawcross

Sir: I would like to echo Mark Steyn's praise for Conrad Black as owner of the Telegraphs and The Spectator (`The last press baron', 14 February). He has been a superb proprietor; all of British journalism, not just his own papers, has benefited from the stability, the growth and the intellectual curiosity that he enabled to flourish in his titles. It is hard to see any future owner matching his generous record.

William Shawcross

St Mawes, Cornwall