31 MARCH 1967, Page 24

Sir: I feel that Simon Raven's greatest transgression is his

misleading advice on avoiding a bastard and the pox, 'both easily avoidable if you make a few simple purchases before you open your breeches.' Mr Raven's son unfortunately stands a reasonable chance of begetting a bastard and has no guarantee of avoiding the pox. I feel this is the greatest transgression, since his son and other young male readers may burden themselves with the guilt of having caused suffering by their misplaced belief in the adequacy of the contraceptives suggested.

Mr Raven seems to be under the delusion that in his twenty odd words of advice to his son, he has solved the problem that is still baffling the world's scientists.

147 Abbots Gardens, London N2 F. Neuland