The defence by Barry Hughes, chief Crown prosecutor, London, of his associate prosecutors can be described as lukewarm at best (see [2009] Gazette, 9 April, 9).

He says that the use of such unadmitted staff has been commented upon by the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee. He also relies upon conversations he has had with a restricted circle of the great and good of the criminal justice industry in the West Country. He does not go so far as to venture an opinion of his own.

At a time when the policing of everyday crime is left to police community support officers, and the prosecuting of it is now dealt with by unadmitted staff, it is obvious that he has forgotten the constitutional decision taken in 1984 that the prosecution of offences should be in the hands of qualified people.

If Mr Hughes wishes to observe this general dumbing down of the investigation and prosecution of crime, perhaps he should move in less exclusive circles.

John Edwards , Solicitor, Neston Cheshire; branch Crown prosecutor, CPS Chester 1990-2000