Letter: In Brief

Sir: It was interesting to note that in promoting the Welfare Reform Bill Alistair Darling pledged to try to end the "something-for- nothing" culture ("We make no apologies for our tough benefits regime", 10 February). To be consistent, that would mean ending the National Lottery. I suspect this will not happen as the Government will again put popularity before the pursuit of principle.

JOHN WAINWRIGHT

Potters Bar, Hertfordshire