WHEN I read blatantly one-sided statements of opinion, I immediately ask myself -- "For whose advantage"?

As Professor Dr John R Ashton, Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, could hardly expect to reach all that many petrol tax protesters with his ill-advised tirade in Saturday's BEN -- have we perhaps witnessed a case of currying favour with HM's Government? Might there be a knighthood beckoning, or the post of Government Chief Medical Officer? One thing is certain: you do not quench fire by pouring petrol on it. Unless, of course, you try to copy this Government's cynical (bungling?) attempts.

It has not gone unnoticed that today's Cavaliers are having quite a time in the camp of the Roundheads -- unlike the people -- and Prof Ashton, no doubt, benefits from low income taxes without being troubled too much by the exorbitant petrol prices.

As for "blood on their hands", I am all in favour of holding the guilty responsible -- but not the Ashton way. Instead of always blaming the small fry, let us call, for a change, for the heads of leading blunderers -- top politicians and executives of large companies and of the many 'quasi autonomous non-Governmental organisations', some of whom have been responsible for injuries and even loss of life through incompetence or skimping. I have not heard the Professor complain about corporate greed yet, or indeed Governmental squandering of billions of pounds, as certified by the Audit Commission year after year -- all of which have contributed heavily to the demise of the NHS!

However, if I could reach the protesters, I would ask them not to be provoked by the kind of calculated lecturing as has been coming from self-willed and confrontational ministers and their allies. You don't need telling that, right now, others are having hard times, too; but postponing whatever you may have in mind would be greatly appreciated by those who might otherwise suffer. By all means keep thinking what to do next; there is still considerable support for this cause, not least because discerning people are aware that many of you are fighting for survival, while some of your opponents merely for a higher rung.

And there is still the off-chance that the Prime Minister and his Chancellor may yet have a change of mind, or even heart, either of which would be gladly accepted by much of the general public. And I for one would not join any political gloating over 'U-turn' or similar nonsense.

Mrs B Stuart

Lord's Stile Lane

Bromley Cross, Bolton