MR J M Hampson is another reader concerned about law and order in this country. "Your Views" on July 4.

This anomalous situation was highlighted in the BEN earlier in the year, with your front page headline "The law is an ass".

These do-gooders Mr Hampson refers to are a misguided type, whose raison d'etre seems to be to preserve the rights and liberties or wrongdoers and evil types at all costs. Some of the remarks allegedly by the new Home Secretary recently are encouraging. Be that as it may. Actions speak louder than words Mr Blunkett, as one of my favourite politicians, Lee Kwan Yew in Singapore, has proved over the years. He learned law in England, but unlike many of our judiciary he knew the answer to uncivilized behaviour.

A kinsman of mine, who has been on the island for 12 months before retiring as a self employed businessman, admits it is a police state, but tells me we would do well to take on board some of their disciplines. Then maybe we would not need notices like you can see in the Royal Bolton Hospital these days, warning people that they could be prosecuted for assaulting staff. What's it coming to?

Trevor T Mellows

Hughes Avenue, Horwich MR J M Hampson is another reader concerned about law and order in this country. "Your Views" on July 4.This anomalous situation was highlighted in the BEN earlier in the year, with your front page headline "The law is an ass".

These do-gooders Mr Hampson refers to are a misguided type, whose raison d'etre seems to be to preserve the rights and liberties or wrongdoers and evil types at all costs. Some of the remarks allegedly by the new Home Secretary recently are encouraging. Be that as it may. Actions speak louder than words Mr Blunkett, as one of my favourite politicians, Lee Kvan Yew in Singapore, has proved over the years. He learned law in England, but unlike many of our judiciary he knew the answer to uncivilized behaviour.

A kinsman of mine, who has been on the island for 12 months before retiring as a self employed businessman, admits it is a police state, but tells me we would do well to take on board some of their disciplines. Then maybe we would not need notices like you can see in the Royal Bolton Hospital these days, warning people that they could be prosecuted for assaulting staff. What's it coming to?

Trevor T Mellows

Hughes Avenue, Horwich