REGARDING the report "Conservatives war on red tape" (December 16 issue), I would be interested to know how this can be justified from the example, given by Brintons' financial director, of regulations on chemicals and emissions hampering production.

The logic of this, coupled with John Redwood's reported remarks on the environment, is that we should return to the bad old days when smog polluted Kidderminster's air and the River Stour was fouled by the carpet industry.

Where were the "good, healthy conditions" then?

ROBERT HALL

Oak Tree Drive, Cutnall Green