LETTER : Free the children

Sir: Denis MacShane asks what can be done to stop child labour ("These small slaves need liberation", 9 December).

Unicef's State of the World's Children Report 1997, published on 11 December, states that provision of universal education is vital. Initially school removes children from the workplace. It also equips them with the knowledge and skills to enable them to exercise some autonomy in the work they do in adulthood.

Our government should be promoting education for all, and more aid spending should be directed towards this goal.

JANINE FEARON

Sheffield, South Yorkshire