2 JULY 1988, Page 24

Drinking

Sir: I am not sure whether The Spectator or Richard West is to be reproached for writing as if Charles McLachlan were still Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire, the Isle of Lewis had two e's and Peter Bottomley none (Prophylactic policing', 25 June). But I do mildly object to finding my name, even though correctly spelt, linked with the argument that the ban in England on drinking in the afternoon is a defence against drunken brutality. It is not; which is why I moved in Parliament that it be abolished; which it will be next month.

Douglas Hurd

House of Commons, London SW1