Letter: Tricks of the trade

Sir: I was delighted that John Walsh ("I'm sorry, I've been given the clues", 11 March) concluded that the nudging in the right direction he was given before appearing on my Radio 4 Quote... Unquote programme succeeded in making the show a better listen.

But, curiously, not one of the quotations he cites was discussed on the shows he was on.

He also mistakes the sex of the producer on that occasion who supposedly provided him with the pre-knowledge he was concern- ed about.

And how clever of him to be able to recall, as direct quotations, the views "she" apparently expressed. Well, there you are you see, just as we broadcasters have our little tricks, so too do journalists.

NIGEL REES

London W11