LETTER : Imperial defence

From Mr Michael Smith

Sir: I am disappointed with your paper's glib writing off of the imperial weights and measures system ("Drop your feet and use your fingers," 30 September) and suggestion that no one will regret its passing. This is in marked contrast to your support for another venerable institution, Greenwich Naval College.

While bound to support your campaign on behalf of Greenwich, I do not accept your basic premise that the Imperial system is difficult to use and therefore it should be abolished. I will continue to use the imperial system in my own home whatever the Independent's view of what is - or is not - of cultural and traditional importance.

Yours faithfully,

Michael Smith

Ware, Hertfordshire