Letter: The size of Texas

Sir: The current advertising campaign for Kellogg's All-Bran indicates that the world's population can be fitted on the Isle of Wight. I remember being told this 50 years ago when I was a boy; today it is estimated (I believe) that an area the size of Texas might accommodate it. I have written to Kellogg's about this and they tell me that their very reliable source, accepted by the advertising authorities, is Michael Caine's Almanac of Amazing Information.

I think the advertisement trivialises the fact that excessive numbers of people, both now and projected, are the underlying cause of so many of the world's problems. An underestimate could lead viewers into complacency.

Can any of your readers confirm that the Isle of Wight is no longer up to the challenge, and that Texas would be a more appropriate place to put everybody should the need arise?

Yours sincerely

TREVOR PANKHURST

Whitchurch, Hampshire

22 December