I refer to the letter by Clive Howe (March 15) and strongly support his views.

Overpopulation is a global problem and we need to be addressing it at home, too.

In these circumstances, child benefit should be stopped as soon as possible, starting by withdrawing it for all newly born children. People should only have children if they can afford to bring up them up.

The welfare state should only provide for those who, through no fault of their own, fall into temporary difficulties – which can happen to anyone.

As a nation we should be more concerned with our duty to support ourselves and our children, rather than our so-called right to be supported by the rest of us through our taxes.

Colin Sherwood, Clifton Place, York.