Letter: Smoke of battle

Sir: A limit on party campaign expenses is enforceable at constituency level, where the local agent is personally liable under law, but meaningless on a national basis.

Even given the most sophisticated accounting procedures (unlikely in Smith Square or Millbank), it would take months to produce audited accounts. If the victorious party were then found to be over the limit by an Ecclestone or two, would the election be null and void? Or would they pay the money back? Or would the runners-up be declared the winners?

TONY HAKEN

Wivenhoe, Essex