The rapacity of the insurance industry is matched only by its effrontery. Not content with forcing down legal costs to the point where conducting what the government is pleased to call ‘small claims’ becomes uneconomic, it now demands a reduction in the already low level of general damages (Gazette, 15 July).

No doubt the government, which appears to be in thrall to the tobacco and drinks industries, will be only too happy to oblige.

Jeremy Beecham, shadow justice minister, House of Lords