PASSING THE BUCKOnce more a government minister - the Solicitor-General, Harriet Harman - calls for the profession to do more pro bono work (see [2002] Gazette, 10 January, 1).

How convenient it would be if this would plug the gaps left by inadequate public funding.Perhaps the principle should be extended to other areas of work.

It should be the norm for doctors to run clinics in deprived areas.

No need, then, to spend more on the NHS.

Accountants should routinely spend time assisting the low-paid to complete their tax returns.Supermarkets should be expected to supply free food to the unemployed, perhaps accompanied by a cut in benefits.One group in particular should be forced to undertake pro bono work - politicians.

Quite what the majority of them do to justify their huge salaries is a mystery to most people.It is quite possible that many doctors, accountants, and supermarkets already choose to do charitable works.

That is admirable.But it is contemptible to be lectured by a minister expecting one particular profession to devote time sorting out problems that are ultimately government responsibilities.Ian Cross, Veale Wasbrough, Bristol