RACE ISSUE ; ;I write to express both my disgust at the content of the letter written by Martin Maloney and my concerns at the fact of its publication (see [2000] Gazette, 23 November, 19).

I do so aware of the apology appearing in last weeks Gazette describing publication as a mistake and disassociating staff and the ;Law Society from the views expressed (see [2000] Gazette, 30 November, 18).

;Mr Maloneys views aimed at eastern European asylum seekers were both racist and shocking (particularly given their source from a solicitor in a firm with an immigration franchise).

;They were, at the very least, likely to incite racial hatred.

I deplore the fact that a solicitor with a franchised firm could use such reprehensible language about any asylum seeker, let alone his own clients.

His views, expressed without compunction, are in stark contrast to the Law Societys guidelines for immigration practitioners urging solicitors to show sensitivity to the particularly vulnerable position of those seeking immigration advice.

Mr Maloney brings himself and the profession into disrepute.

;I have brought this matter to the attention of the Commission for Racial Equality.

;Rick Scannell, chairman of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association ;