So petrol prices hit a new high and everybody that drives a car is up in arms.

Well, how many people have noticed that petrol prices have soared since Tony Blair brought in the smoking ban in pubs, clubs and public places?

The reason petrol prices are so high is the Government has got to get its tax from somewhere. Since they want everybody to stop smoking they put extra on petrol so they are not losing out.

My wife and I went to Germany a couple of years ago.

They listened to people who put them in power, so for any pub or club that did not serve food the smoking ban was relaxed and you could smoke, but if they did serve food smoking was banned.

If this Government did the same people would have a choice and petrol prices might come down. Until that happens all we can expect is higher prices on everything. And by the way, I smoke and drive a car.

Andrew Wood, Stuart Road, Acomb, York.

• AS AN ex-York man who only left through relocation, on days out back home I always get The Press.

Every time, there seems to be some propaganda letter from Coun Alexander, but he always seems to omit the relevant points when it suits him.

For example, public houses closing because of brewery price ties, but most drinkers know it was his beloved Labour Party who did the most damage to the licensed trade with their intransigent smoking ban.

Where are all the people who said they’d support pubs if they got rid of the smoke?

Mr R T Dowding, Aberford Road, Stanley, Wakefield.