SIR - In recent years we read with increasing dismay about the tactics of the companies which now own our utilities - gas water, electricity and telecommunications.

On Monday last week I had the misfortune of witnessing their sales techniques first hand.

Scottish Power was in the area. The salesmen were with a neighbour, an elderly man with no telephone. My wife overheard them talking down to him at his door step. I said to her "Should I go out and suggest they leave?" (I may have used more colloquial language) She suggested not for now.

Shortly, a knock on my door. One Scottish Power fellow at my door, the other at my elderly neighbour's door. "Would you mind giving us your telephone number as your neighbour, who is about to sign up, does not have one and before we can complete the deal we need a telephone number."

I thought about this for perhaps a millisecond before asking my neighbour if he knew what he was signing. He answered: "No".

The Scottish Power chap at my door seemed dismayed at the fact that I was challenging his sales pitch. He was rude and I was rude back.

The conclusion was some colloquial phrases which resulted in the salesmen leaving very quickly.

My enquiries with the police at this point seem to suggest that these two sales people were legitimately working for Scottish Power and I have no reason to believe otherwise. However, the hunger for commission ("This is how we make our money," they shouted in retreat) is a curse on our society, particularly when they target the weaker people within our communities.

I have an account with Scottish Power. A fact that the two sales reps were simply not interested in. My account will very soon change to another provider that can guarantee a more ethical approach to sales.

No one should sign any contract presented by a doorstep sales person no matter what spectacular saving is offered as an enticement.

Paul Murphy, Malvern.