26 MAY 2001, Page 38

No laughing matter

From Sir Edward Heath Sir: With reference to your interview with me CA sly grin from Sir Edward', 12 May), I should like to point out that I did not call Mr Hague a 'laughing stock'. I merely pointed out that, at the last Prime Minister's Questions of the Parliament. I thought it a mistake to concentrate exclusively on Europe; an issue that is number six on the list of voters' priorities. My point was underscored by the laughter from the Labour benches. That is the laughter to which I was referring.

Edward Heath

Salisbury, Wiltshire From Mr Chris Smith Sir: I wish Sir Edward Heath would accept a peerage. Then we wouldn't have to call him 'right' and 'honourable'.

Chris Smith

Out Skerries, Shetland