Friday’s keen scriveners discuss subjects including GM food, the Alternative Vote, Gaelic teaching, nuclear power, and the freezing of council tax.
Sir, How disappointing to read yet more pro-GM misinformation A Farmer’s View (April 25).
The writer should visit a website such as (www.gmwatch.org) where he will find documented references that, contrary to his assertions, show GM crops are technically controversial, have adverse effects on the environment and generate widespread consumer concern.
The fact that people eat imported chicken and pork fed on a GM diet doesn’t mean they aren’t bothered about it but that most are not aware of it.
It is possible that home grown chicken and pork might be fed on a GM diet, since most of our animal feed is imported.
There is considerable uncertainty about the effects of GM crops on human health because GM companies are loath to finance research in that area. But absence of adverse effects is not evidence of absence.
There is evidence that some animals fed a GM diet can suffer adverse effects.
As for public discussion about GM crops, we had a considerable amount some years ago and the majority sentiment was, rightly, anti-GM. Not much has changed in the intervening period.
Peter Romilly.4 Westwood Terrace,Newport.
A family with valuesSir, Well done to the expanding Hann family with 12 children which you featured on your front page on Tuesday.
In an age when family values are rapidly declining, it was great to read of a family who are sticking it out together through thick and thin and obviously bringing up a hard-working happy family.
Not easy but it can be done.
Caroline Stewart.7b Castlewood Avenue,Dundee.
Broadening the curriculumSir, The money spent on Gaelic teaching in minuscule in comparison to what is spent promoting and teaching English in education and the impression that an abundance of resources is devoted to it is mistaken. The proven educational and cognitive benefits of bilingualism, demonstrated by independent research, means, however, that the investment in children who do experience Gaelic teaching, particularly those who receive their education through the medium of Gaelic, is well justified.
For example, their ability to learn further languages is enhanced, enabling them to play a role in the wider global marketplace.
John A. MacKay.Bord na Haidlig,Stoneyfield Business Park,Inverness.
Benefits of balancing powerSir, Before Hitler gained power, his supporters envied Britain for the first-past-the-post system because it would have given them absolute power.
Although AV will not alter such Tory strongholds as Surrey or Labour strongholds such as South Yorkshire, it should make things more representative elsewhere.
I will vote yes because, after my experience of the Thatcher and Blair governments, I do not believe that the leadership of the London parties can be trusted with unlimited power for five years.
Robin Ball.27 Morgan Street,Dundee.
Turn back migrant tideSir, A new wave of migrants flees to Europe from strife-torn north Africa.
Italy has seen more than 26,000 arrive on the island of Lampedusa. Most of these do not want to remain in Italy but aim to travel to France and then a lot will seek to enter the UK by whatever way possible.
Italy tried to get rid of them by issuing temporary travel permits.
France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Germany have reintroduced border checks to stop this immigrant tsunami.
France even halted trains at the Italian border town of Ventimiglia to prevent Tunisians from entering France. That is what I call positive action not the posturing of the previous muticultural-orientated UK Labour Government.
I trust that our coalition Government will follow the tough lead of France, Germany and others and act, not talk.
Clark Cross.138 Springfield Road,Linlithgow.Shale gas energy hopeSir, Warnings about the dangers of depending on uranium, is predicated on the false notion that renewables and nuclear power are realistic alternatives.
In terms of ability to make enough electricity for our needs, it is no contest since wind-based generation’s paltry and intermittent electricity, occasionally supplementing real power sources, makes renewables pathetically unsatisfactory.
Remember also the damage to the land and to the economy. Despite controversies about nuclear power, at least it is adequate, as in France. They even sell us their leftovers.
Hopefully, while abundant shale gas from Canada replaces declining fossil fuels, nuclear fission-based electricity generation will be developed and the wind programmes scrapped.
(Dr) Charles Wardrop.111 Viewlands Road West,Perth.Tax freeze costs passed to elderlySir, With election day approaching and parties making ever more promises, the electorate should beware of politicians bearing gifts.
One example is the freezing of council tax. Local authorities are finding it impossible to sustain services and are charging for some of these.
When the election is over, no doubt some of these charges will rise to meet the shortfall.
While these charges affect everyone, they are particularly hard on the vulnerable and elderly.
R. H. L. Mulheron.28 Cowgate,Tayport.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.