Archbishop should look to Church

DR Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, appears to be revealing an ambition, on his forthcoming retirement, to be a future trailblazer for the Labour Party, judging by his recent vehement attacks on the Cameron coalition.

He demonstrates an acute antagonism to any diminution in the state sector, apart from, predictably, defence, regardless of any real economic and social benefits that this could bring; it wouldn’t surprise me if he believes the divinity is a Left-wing creator whose plans have gone horribly wrong.

The bizarre cleric should, in my opinion, concentrate his energies on more local matters as he allows the Anglican Church to disintegrate with the inevitability of a Christian thrown to the lions. His incursion into politics wouldn’t be so bad if it were reflected in a more balanced and more realistic approach. Indeed, with his increasingly outspoken, entrenched Socialist views, he is in danger of becoming the Arthur Scargill of the ecclesiastical world!

Naivety over wind farms

From: David H Rhodes, Keble Park North, Bishopthorpe, York.

THE development of offshore wind farms of the magnitude envisaged seems an answer to “a maiden’s prayer” – that of a stable reliable electricity supply. One then asks is this all to be in British waters and have we the inalienable right to build and own these structures? Consideration should be given to the fact that in a peaceful environment wind farms have the ideology of the Darling Buds of May scenario. However, in a future conflict these would be the first port of call for our enemies, Somali pirates et al.

Would we then expect our rapidly depleting Navy to control these areas and would Brussels permit them to administer instant justice? What is wrong with the immediate construction of replacement power stations using a mix of nuclear power, steamed coal technology, bio-mass and food refuse systems? Being land-based security would be better ensured. Please may naivety be replaced by realism.

Broadband lacks benefit

From: John Richmond, Harrogate Road, Ripon.

WHILE uncontrollable excitement may reign in the corridors of North Yorkshire County Council and the office of Julian Smith MP at the prospect of super fast broadband, can someone in simple terms tell me, an elderly pensioner (whose meagre savings are dwindling fast), what benefits I will gain as I do not own a computer?

Gary Fieldman, assistant chief executive of NYCC might try, as he blithely states “it’s going to make a huge difference to an awful lot of people’s lives” (Yorkshire Post, July 2).

To Mr Fieldman and his ilk, I would say on behalf of thousands of frustrated folk that they get rid of endless bureaucracy and red tape that was to be removed at a stroke two years ago, and we might start to believe in you!

Some weeks ago, I wrote to Employment Minister Chris Grayling on this subject, copying to Julian Smith and David Cameron. The only response was an acknowledgement from David Cameron’s office.

Dare I suggest that Mr Fielding is, like the majority of politicians, out of touch with the public at large?

Care is not a commodity

From: Mike Padgham, Chair, Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire) and Chair, United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKHCA).

THE United Kingdom Homecare Association’s report, Care is not a Commodity, exposes the scandal of short home care visits like never before. It lays bare that almost 75 per cent of home care visits commissioned by councils across the UK is for periods of 30 minutes, 15 minutes or even shorter.

There is little wonder that home care providers are seriously worried about the impact this is having on the safety and dignity of the care they provide. And little wonder that we are hearing increasing reports of rushed and incomplete home care visits.

Providing care to people in their own home can make a real difference to the quality of their lives. But all too often councils treat commissioning of home care services as a commodity – bought primarily on price – like paper clips. But care is not a commodity – it’s about real people’s lives. Councils need to get the focus back onto care, not just cutting costs.

Visit food producers

From: CJ Horsman, Rochdale Road, Halifax.

IN response to the letter from John Jepson (Yorkshire Post, June 30), I have seen the production of foie gras first hand and under vastly different conditions than those described by the writer whom I suspect has gleaned his information from the literature put out by one or more of the animal rights/vegetarian bodies.

The farm I visited in western France was fairly small but with a proud reputation for produce of good quality using traditional methods. I have never seen what Mr Jepson describes although I accept it may occur in the production of low grade produce sold by some supermarkets.

I would recommend that anyone who is concerned about how their food is produced when in France visits producers advertising their products “à la ferme or terroir”. It’s well worth it, and of course try and avoid factory-made processed food.

I also eat veal as not only does it taste good but it gives a value to bull calves and therefore allows them a life and of course it helps our farmers.