MY thanks to A P Cox ("No reply", Letters, January 7). You have made me think I am much more intelligent than the woman to whom I had spoken implied.

Like Mr Cox, I too had an inquiry, not an insurance claim, something much simpler, a BT telephone bill.

The relevant number was duly dialled, four options followed by three lots of four more - what happened to the voice at the end of the telephone? "All our operators are busy please hold the line".

Seven minutes later a voice, hurrah, although it is not English. The person listens to my inquiry and gives what can only be described as a ridiculous answer to my question. It is £5 for 59 minutes and 3p per minute after that (thinks - the second hour is much cheaper, funny)!

Questioning her, I was told "Mrs Horne, you are not listening to me". After the fourth time of being told this, the formidable me came forth, only to be told "You are very wrong and I am right". So, thank you again Mr Cox, I may be, according to the woman completely deaf, but I can add up. Incidentally, I only wanted to know how much of the £31-plus on my bill was line rental, not the price of calls.

Mrs P Horne,

Grantham Drive,

Holgate, York.

Updated: 11:31 Wednesday, January 11, 2006