Press freedom
Sir: As one who has followed with keen interest the debate on press freedom with particular reference to the 'Tether Case' it was interesting to see that the latest example of .banning C. Gordon Tether's 'Lombard' column in the Financial Times coincided with an FT leader on the dangers facing journalists as a result of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Amendment) Bill.
The leader said: "It is not, we believe, arrogant to claim that the freedom of expression of those who work in the press and broadcasting is too valuable a national asset to be exposed to such a risk." One can only assume that when it comes to the FT the 'freedom of the press' is solely in the hands of the editorial chair. The example of banned Tether already published in The Spectator is, as 1 have asserted before, a prime illustration that there is far more to the freedom of the press than meets the eye. The way the media has and is handling the EEC issue is another case where press freedom leaves a great deal to be desired.
James To wler 2Lcis 5eeMoseley Wood Lane, Cookridge
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