Letter: Work and morals

Sir: To be a lone parent through no fault of your own is generally regarded as unfortunate. To choose to be a lone parent if one has no personal means of support, nowadays looks like carelessness - many taxpayers may even say irresponsibility.

The social sanctions against illegitimacy which prevailed until quite recently represented sound, protective principles. The erosion of social sanctions and the absence of economic sanctions have had predictable consequences - none of them good news for taxpayers struggling to raise a family in traditional fashion. I hope I am not alone in supporting the Government's efforts to make young women think twice before choosing to become a lone parent.

Dr ANNE-CAROLE CHAMIER

Ardross, Ross and Cromarty