READING about the hedgehog problem in the Hebridean Island off the west coast of Scotland reminds me of the bird problem facing Prince Albert after the building of the Crystal Palace had been completed.

"Poor Albert", as Queen Victoria said, had tried everything to get rid of the starlings and sparrows that had invaded this new building, but all to no avail.

So she turned to the old Duke of Wellington for advice on how to deal with the problem. He replied brusquely, as an old soldier might: "Sparrow'awks, Ma'am, sparrow'awks!"

His advice was taken, and those starlings and sparrows who didn't become instant "asylum seekers" were eaten.

I notice that, quite rightly, the Hedgehog Defence League has objected to the mass killing of our prickly friends, who are so useful in dealing with surpluses of snails and slugs the old fashion way.

So may I suggest that a South Ulst Export Agency be set up, to export them to the gardens of the mainland where their numbers will be usefully employed, but at the same time be kept in check by the motorist.

However, I suggest that any shares held in any company producing slug repellent products should be sold before the bottom drops out of the market for those products.

We will then again enjoy, as written in the poem England Most Beautiful and The Very Best: "Our friendly hedgehogs will be seen popping out, Prickles proud and with their cute little snouts".

Perhaps a 'buy one, get one free' campaign would be the most successful humane approach!

Sir Leslie Loader, CBE

Mildenhall

Marlborough