BRITISH FARMING: THE Prince of Wales is quite correct to urge hospitals, schools, public bodies and government agencies to buy British produced food, which currently they seldom do.

The Prince is dismayed that organisations that are funded by public money continue to buy imported food while the British farming community is in such a poor financial position.

HRH has stated that public bodies are permitted by law to buy any food they wish and that other EU states openly support their own national farmers.

Rather than support and welcome this Royal advice, Lord Haskins, Tony Blair's advisor on farming, has accused the Prince of being out of touch and having a romantic view of the countryside.

The reality of life in rural communities is: fewer amenities, poor communications, struggling farmers and many rural businesses still suffering from the long-term effects of the Government's and EU Commission's mismanagement of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The only people out of touch are those who live in the Westminster Village who believe that country life is a walk in St James' Park feeding the ducks. - PA Troy, North of England Spokesman, UK Independence Party.

EUROPE

A NUMBER of your letter writers seem convinced that the UK can stay out of the eurozone without damage.

Although the Famous Five economic tests will not be appraised before June (with a referendum to follow) there is now a wealth of facts coming from the UN, the OECD, the WHO and the EU and several City investment banks which demonstrate that the euro works well and exclusion is not a healthy or credible option.

Since the euro launch in January 2002, there is clearly more cross border trade, with Germany and France gaining about four per cent of national output while the UK has lessened by one per cent. There is more transnational direct investment, with Germany doubling its share from nine per cent to 18 per cent.

Britain, the outsider, has seen its share slumping to around five per cent.

Lower prices in euro countries will be familiar to travellers. There is a downwards convergence with average prices in Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt roughly similar. In London those prices are no less than 12 per cent higher.

Facts such as these demonstrate trends rather than benchmarks. European countries are not likely to be sheltered from global economic surges and falls.

Considered in the round, do they not point to eurozone prosperity, prospects and confidence rising through shared enterprise and common currency? How can we remain isolated from that? - David J Whittaker, Richmond.

LIZ HURLEY

LIZ Hurley wants to think again very carefully before so proudly and independently rejecting Steve Bing's offer of money to support their child.

Firstly, baby Damian is as much his as hers and, as the father, it is right that he should financially provide for his son.

Secondly, fame is very fleeting. A few years down the line Ms Hurley is quite likely to find herself forgotten as far as the world of showbusiness is concerned. She will then need all the money and support she can get for the child.

Money by itself can never compensate a child for not having a father around, but at least it would be some indication for Damian in his childhood years that his father was concerned about him. - EA Moralee, Billingham.

WAR

I THINK the United Nations should pass a new ruling to the effect that in all future wars we should revert to the old custom where the leaders lead from the front.

This would mean in the modern set-up that the front line on both sides of the conflict should be composed of politicians from the top down, then leading civil servants and all senior military officers.

No deep dug-outs should be allowed, and no stand-by getaway aircraft.

Only weapons that sometimes work should be used, and when the preliminary conflict is over, the body of the forces should be allowed to meet and decide whether to continue, or to shake hands and congratulate the other on a job well done. - R Gibbs, Sunderland.

FIRE SERVICE

NOW that the firefighters' dispute has, at least for the moment, gone quiet, I feel that I must express my disgust as to how this fine body of people was treated by both the media and the Government.

We heard how firefighters had two jobs, yet there was no mention of the list of Members of Parliament who not only had two jobs but several, each one giving them a cheque far greater than that of the poor fighter struggling to make ends meet.

Is it not strange how people also have short memories. After September 11, having seen the New York fire department driving to their deaths, our firefighters were heroes. Who is to say that tragedy could not happen in this country?

Good luck to you lads, you deserve every penny. - SRC Shields, Saltburn.

FOXHUNTING

IN reply to Simon Hart (HAS, Dec 24) I say that the vast majority of people in Britain do not regard hunting with dogs as a normal activity.

Watching dogs tearing animals to pieces is not most people's idea of sport.

I quote the words of Albert Schweitzer: "Compassion in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind." - R White, South Bank.