CORRESPONDENCE regarding the pros and cons of immigration is in danger of becoming both repetitive and boring so I intend to make this my last letter on the subject.

I would like to make it clear that I am not racist. I left school at 16 and joined the war time Merchant Navy. I followed this with a career in the RAF so I have served King, Queen and country for most of my working life.

During this service I have worked in many far flung parts of the world and have worked with people of many nationalities, colours and religions. I have always got on well with them and I trust they with me.

Not only have I worked, but I have also socialised, with these people and I have tried to carry this on in my retirement. These are certainly not the actions of a racist.

Secondly, I am not against immigration, and knowing of the wonderful work done in our hospitals by these people I welcome them.

I do think, however, that as a free and democratic nation, we should have a right to decide just who we allow in and who we refuse entry to. This should be done before entry.

A system of visa control, as exercised by many countries, would be fair to all would-be entrants. It would also do away with the need for expensive tribunals and the much detested holding camps. It would be no dearer to run than the present shambles.

This to me is pure and simple common sense.

R W Selway

Burden Close, Stratton St Margaret