Letter: Budget losers

Sir: In the wake of the Chancellor's family Budget could we now have an honest debate about the assumed virtues of the family?

Is it the case that couples who produce children are really thinking about the benefits which they are bringing to society? Or are they just satisfying themselves when they procreate?

If the latter, why should they be thought more deserving than the single and childless? Should we not be thinking of discouraging large families by the tax regime (as in the US) instead of encouraging them?

What was there in the Budget for the single and for childless couples?

E WILLIAMS

Altrincham,

Greater Manchester