STRAW REBUKED

I cannot understand the Home Secretarys attitude to and outrageous comment about lawyers, the majority of whom, certainly in the provinces, work long hours for...I cannot understand the Home Secretarys attitude to and outrageous comment about lawyers, the majority of whom, certainly in the provinces, work long hours for little reward and perform a vital service (see [2001] Gazette, 1 March, 1).

One would have thought that Jack Straws brief experience as a barrister would have given him a more enlightened attitude.

I presume the advice of lawyers had no bearing upon the recent brush with the law experienced by his chauffeur, who could have been prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit in circumstances that might have amounted to dangerous driving.

I would have thought that Mr Straw would have been at least grateful that some lawyer, somewhere, decided against this course.

Is there no gratitude? Tony Blair has the grace to keep quiet about how his family income is supplemented by a very expensive lawyer.

Brian Woodhams, solicitor, Liverpool