SIR, Some months ago I listened to a radio interview with Digby Jones, CBI Director General. He was in Cumbria to address a meeting of representatives of the tourist industry.

While being interviewed he was staying at a hotel overlooking Windermere and was looking at the view as the interview was taking place. The vista was described by Mr Jones as what a wonderful product'. I listened carefully to the whole interview, which by radio standards was fairly lengthy, and I have not taken his statement out of context.

I hope that I misunderstood Mr Jones but I do not think so. During the whole of that interview there was not a hint from him that he saw anything other than product' in the beauty before his eyes.

I cannot forget the chilling insensitivity of his statement. It is frightening when people who, to an extent, lead us all by the nose cannot see beyond the end of their own noses.

W.F. Mitchell

Windermere

January 9, 2003 15:00