Letter: Flexible EU best answer to pollution

Sir: Before we get too tied up with discussions over a common European currency, would it not be a more important first step to introduce EU-wide banking?

I thought this had happened when banks adopted the "sort code", but I have found this is far from true - I have just received a cheque for pounds 34 drawn on Societe Generale in Paris, repaying some travelling expenses. Although this is made out in sterling, the National Westminster Bank has refused to process it, Abbey National will charge pounds 7.50 for paying it into my account, and First Direct pounds 5.

This is much more of a barrier to trans-European trade than what the individual currencies are called.

KEITH FRAYN

Oxford