SIR: It would seem that Mrs B Harding is on the horns of a real dilemma (Viewpoint: Sept 21).

She admits that she uses drugs discovered through animal research, but says she deplores the use of animals in research.

She talks about "these selfish double standards still not making it right".

You are obviously a very caring person, Mrs Harding, but what is it that you want?

Do you want animal research to cease?

Do you want people to continue to suffer when, through research, they could be helped?

It seems to me that you want Utopia. You want results without the pain.

Well, Mrs Harding, Utopia doesn't exist. You can't have your cake and eat it.

If you don't agree with animal research, then don't accept the results of it.

If you can't do that, then I suggest you let these dedicated people get on with the job of trying to alleviate the suffering of the human race. And, next time you pop in a pill, say a little prayer of appreciation for these people, who no doubt think just as much about animals as we do.

Brian Derbyshire,

Ribchester Grove, Bolton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.