Letter: Smoke of battle

Sir: Does anybody make a donation, large or small, to a political party without self-interest? It may be hopes for higher pensions, better quality education or a more favourable business climate.

Would it not be refreshing to hear an admission from government that many decisions in life, especially political ones, are a matter of expediency and compromise? We have a brilliant industry in this country making the best racing cars in the world and there is the strongest case for protecting it - donations or no donations.

TOM KAREN

Lechworth, Hertfordshire