HOME Secretary David Blunkett, in a belated attempt to meet the first responsibility of Government which is "defence of the realm", is viciously attacked by a coterie of his fellow MPs for suggesting that perceived enemies within our midst should be placed in preventative custody.

Shortly after the outbreak of World War Two, as a member of an RAF squadron, I spent some time on the Isle of Man. A short leave was granted and the journey from and return to the island was made by sea.

Our companions on the return voyage included a large number of detainees, mostly German and Italian residents in the UK, who the government wisely decided should be placed in detention for the duration of hostilities.

Today with terrorism a major threat to the citizens of this country our feeble Government prevaricates in respect of urgent measures to close the door to illegal immigration and the detention, followed by rapid deportation, of those who threaten the "safety of the realm".

Terrorist atrocities abroad may, as a result of Government ineptitude, be replicated at any time in the UK.

FRANK AVENELL

Beckhampton Street, Swindon