I REPLY to Gary Webb (Letters, Saturday, April 16).We have treaties with EU countries. Treaties with other states are nothing new. In the nature of things, all such treaties, signed for mutual benefit, curtail freedom of action to some extent.

Whether we are part of the EU or not, a maximum working week of 48 hours is desirable. As it is, many people in non-unionised occupations are expected to work 60 or 70 hours per week without any overtime pay.

This leads to marriage break-up among other evils. Furthermore, it may well be dangerous for people, as diverse as doctors and drivers to work more than 48 hours per week.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.