Letters: Fertility case husband did sign

Sir: If Mrs DB was married in the Church of England according to the rites set out in the Prayer Book, ("Fertility ban on widow `is cruel and unnatural' ", 3 October) then her husband will have heard the priest say "First [matrimony] was ordained for the procreation of children". His signature on the register, witnessed by the priest and others, would therefore be evidence that he accepted this. Mrs DB's husband will effectively have given his written consent.

BASIL DEWING

Great Malvern, Worcestershire