SIR - I fail to understand why the Government tries to tackle the problems of the economy piece-meal, with many stupid suggestions which have to be withdrawn.

Surely what is needed is for a group of common-sense economists (if any can be found) to sit down with representatives from the trade unions, the NHS, and bodies such as the National Farmers’ Union, and others, to work out a plan for the whole country, which is fair to everyone, and which will get us out of the economic mess. Since universities are supposedly a power-house of intellectuals, one would imagine they could be trusted to set up and oversee such a venture.

This seems to me so obvious that I am mystified it has not been done already.

Verity Miriam Brown

Lennox Avenue, Sidmouth