I refer to the debate over whether the limit for small claims in personal injury claims should rise from from £1,000 to £5,000. Surely there should be room for compromise between claimant solicitors and defendant insurers. If, as Sheldon Davidson's letter states (see [2004] Gazette, 2 December, 16) the £1,000 barrier has not been raised since 1991, why not apply a retail price index factor and round it up a bit to allow for inflation in recent years? That would suggest a figure of £1,500. Such a figure seems fair to both sides. Certainly any increase above £2,000 would result in potential injustice to claimants.


Tim Fearon, Scott Rowe, Axminster, Devon