TWICE lately “apologies” have been printed in The Press conforming to the slippery formula favoured by politicians and council officers: “If any offence has been caused, I apologise.”

In each case there was no doubt whatsoever that offence had been caused. A qualified apology is no apology at all. It demeans the perpetrator and doubles the offence.

On the other hand, that relentless correspondent, David Quarry, wrote an apology (Letters, January 16) dignified, comprehensive and unqualified: an example to us all.

William Dixon Smith, Welland Rise, Acomb, York.