Letter: Mandelson's loan

Sir: I would guess that the majority of people who voted for the Labour Party at the last election did not do so on the understanding that future ministers would choose to "isolate"' themselves from some of the workings of their departments, as Peter Mandelson has from DTI decisions affecting Geoffrey Robinson, rather than accept the full responsibility which the job entails.

Could Mr Mandelson please share with us any other areas of his ministerial duties for which he has similarly abrogated responsibility.

HARRY ROBERTSON

London N13