7 JULY 1990, Page 26

Big Mac

Sir: In his very interesting account of life under Quebec language laws (30 June), Murray Sayle states that 'McDonald's are getting away with their sign because it's a proper name'.

Many suspect that they are getting away with it rather because the provincial gov- ernment prefers not to upset such a power- ful American firm. No such dispensation was granted to those two famous Canadian department stores, Simpson's and Eaton's, national institutions though they may be. Both were compelled to drop their apos- trophes in Quebec and in that province alone must operate as Simpson and Eaton. Richard Fisher

1 Middle Lane, London N8