THE on-going debate regarding the re-emergence of tuberculosis reminds me of an article I read some time ago about this dreadful disease when it was prevalent in Ireland during the early part of the last century.

Seemingly, the so called working classes were inveterate "spitters," and spat and sprayed their nasal and bronchial residues with abandon, just like our "cool " generation of today.

Lady Aberdeen, the wife of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, campaigned successfully against this habit, until tuberculosis was all but eradicated.

She edited a survey of the disease and was adamant that spitting was the primary cause of spreading the infection.

Perhaps if the Government started a crusade against spitting, beginning with the Football League, whose players began the practice about ten years ago, and who are now aped by their devotees, we might see a reduction in tuberculosis.

One senior Manchester United player, who will have to be nameless, closes one nostril while excreting through the other, then repeats the process, watched by millions.

Tony McLellan

Toothill