I REPLY to Martin Ball, campaign director of FOREST, an organisation which actually encourages people to "enjoy" the imbibing of nicotine. His "case" for this foul industry is muddled.

I became a serious smoker of tobacco during the Second World War whilst serving with the Armed Forces. I now have a variety of maladies as a result of inhalation, among them, angina, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

However, 14 years ago I managed to kick the pernicious weed. Had I not won my fight, I do not think I would be writing this letter.

Sadly, many take the route from ashes in the tray to ashes at the crematorium via the large flap-top box.

Of course, I am not only opposed to tobacco but to all drugs, except such as are prescribed by members of the medical profession. I would regard marijuana as far less dangerous than tobacco, however.

What can be worse than a poisonous substance which causes cancer, heart disease and many other deadly complaints and which sends many millions prematurely to the grave each year?

D E MARGRETT,

Rowan Court,

Worcester.