Rupert Barnes points out that the practice of including the text of original e-mails with every reply leads to a great waste of paper (see [2004] Gazette, 8 April, 15).

I endorse his comment, and not just for environmental reasons.

Use of e-mail for business communication is risky because it makes us careless.

Few people appreciate that by simply clicking on 'reply' they may be forwarding all the earlier correspondence and comments, together with e-mail addresses which might be confidential.

E-mail is fast, simple and cheap but easy to get wrong.

Start a new e-mail every time you correspond and reduce the risk.

Olivia Burren, senior risk management consultant, St Paul Insurance, London