Letter: Time for families

Time for families

Sir: Many people feel the time they spend with their families is under great pressure, says Jack Straw, the Home Secretary. He then announces he is to launch a family stress enquiry (report, 26 May).

Will the Home Secretary, who was a supporter of the Keep Sunday Special campaign when in opposition, include a study of the effects on families of not having just one day a week which they can spend together? Time off in the week is not an alternative, because families with school-age children cannot be together and there is no opportunity to pursue social relationships.

Lack of quality time with one's partner reduces a person's ability to deal with stress: lack of parental time spent with children has serious effects on children's physical and mental health.

JOHN ALEXANDER

Campaign Manager

Keep Sunday Special Campaign

Cambridge