SIR – As the Government prepares for the Queen’s Speech and its final legislative programme before the general election, it is time to fulfil a promise of legislation to establish a new public forest management organisation for England.
The Independent Panel on Forestry, established in 2011 after the public outcry that forced the Government to rethink its plans to sell off the public forest estate, made the recommendation for a new body to secure its future. The Government has already publicly made a commitment to this at the earliest opportunity. That time is now.
The Government must take this opportunity, before it is too late, to move beyond the controversies of the past and keep the promises it has made for our forests. A Bill, once passed, will enable the public forest estate to contribute fully to a bright new future for the environment, people and the economy.
Chief Executive, Woodland Trust
Chief Executive, Confederation of Forest Industries
Co-founder, Our Forests
Chief Executive, Ramblers
Co-founder, Save Our Woods
Chief Executive, The Wildlife Trusts
Campaigns Director, 38 Degrees
Medical notes disclosed
SIR – Insurance company demands for the whole of patients’ records have been going on for some time. Only occasionally is it appropriate to disclose all information held.
It is used for a variety of inquiries, relating to life insurance and more often private medical health claims. Most patients don’t realise just how much of their records is or could be disclosed.
GPs have been raising concerns about this to the General Medical Council and other relevant bodies since this dubious practice started a few years ago. Sadly they have been ignored.
It is an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of us all and should be stopped.
Dr Paul Loxton
Virginia Water, Surrey
A crowded bathroom
SIR – We have recently had some tiles laid in our bathroom.
They have a swirly pattern in shades of brown.
While sitting in the bathroom, I have been able to study this pattern closely and have found that it is possible to recognise the following with no trouble at all: a dark man with a beard, the life-size heads of Marilyn Monroe and of my Aunt Lucette, a cocker spaniel, a lion’s face, a horse’s head, a Jack Russell puppy, a map of North America, a cherub sitting on a cloud and a Roman centurion.
I’m pretty sure that I will be able to make additions to this list after a few more sittings.