Sir, – The lengthy dialogue between Martin Hooper and Richard Akers over several weeks does not seem to be getting anywhere. They should remember the old Chinese proverb “A picture is worth a thousand words”, although I am not sure how their sentiments could be conveyed pictorially.

My first manager in ICI, whom Martin will have known well, told me not to criticise the way something was done, unless I could suggest a better way of doing it. The possibility of three million unemployed is indeed grim, but getting further into debt might be even worse. Creating a lot of worthless jobs would achieve nothing.

MILES GARNETT The Old Rectory, South Otterington