I see you have a brave man in Romsey. In the wake of the prestigious Police Foundation report, it is clear that many people now believe our current drug laws to be in serious need of adjustment - even the Daily Telegraph has published editorials to this effect several times in recent weeks.

But what does "many people" mean? Mr Large will obviously not become Romsey's next MP, but his courageous stance offers an opportunity for Romsey voters to express themselves in this, the one issue the government seems too "petrified" to discuss. In the absence of anything as instructive as a referendum, your voters now have a rare opportunity to express their views clearly on this subject.

Even if you disagree with Mr. Large, you have to give him credit for a courage our leaders don't seem to possess. Here is a man with virtually no money to throw at a campaign, without a huge professional party machine to support him, no high-ups to help him. It takes guts. I hope those hostile to his views will respect that, and that those who agree with him will take the opportunity his bravery is giving them.

"Many people"? The election results, on May 4, will show how many, in Romsey, at least, care enough to ask for change.

Lyndon Pugh Lewes₇ East Sussex