JOHN Prescott was less than honest when he claimed to be defending himself.

Television film showed that he had to stand up and move two yards to make the punch.

However, in true Cabinet style it was a "powderpuff" punch and left the recipient completely unmarked!

K Barnes,

North View,

Catterton, Tadcaster.

...I WAS disgusted to hear on the Breakfast With Frost programme that a Sunday paper has allegedly paid the person who threw the egg at Mr Prescott £20,000 for his story. This seems to be rewarding a law-breaker.

Mr Prescott's retaliation was also wrong. If you look carefully at the film of the incident it is obvious that Mr Prescott was not defending himself. The assailant had stepped back, Mr Prescott had a split second before he lashed out. He had the choice of backing away, he chose to strike out. What about self discipline and restraint?

These qualities are necessary in many professions. If a teacher is assaulted by a student then the teacher may defend him or herself, but if the teacher retaliates then he or she will leave themselves open to being disciplined or even charged.

Geoffrey Alderson,

Maple Grove, York.

Updated: 10:26 Tuesday, May 22, 2001