SIR: I have observed from your centre page story (BEN, January 11) that another character has jumped on the BSE bandwagon. First we had Professor Lacey, then Linda McCartney and now this one from V.I.V.A.

Being connected with the meat trade since 1936 from farming through to slaughtering and butchering, I would imagine, gives me a voice in its defence.

As yet there is no absolute proof that BSE and CJD are connected; most cattle affected are mainly dairy cows that have come to the end of their milking days. The bulk of the beef on sale is from what is known as two teeth bullocks and heifers aged between 18 months and two and a half years, which gives a vast difference in age and tissue texture. A couple of years ago a female MP caused a furore over eggs. The hens are still laying and people are still eating eggs, but whatever happened to the lady MP?

I have no objection to people having ideals and beliefs, but please do not attempt to force them down the throats of all the people in the country.

John Higson

Radcliffe Road

Darcy Lever

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