IF Mr Gorman thinks that there is no legitimate reason for anyone to own a gun in Britain (October 29), then he evidently prefers factory farming and snares.

Guns are used to shoot vermin (aka foxes) in Scotland now that one is not allowed to use hounds for killing.

Guns are used to shoot game, which I'm sure has had a better life than the ubiquitous chicken found in our shops.

Would he rather people used spears or bows and arrows? Or does he have a view of nature formed by Walt Disney and Beatrix Potter?

Dr Duncan Campbell,

Albemarle Road, York.

Updated: 11:14 Thursday, October 31, 2002