When you consider publishing the “spider letters” (Letters, 30 March), you might also think about listing the advisers to Prince Charles at the time he wrote each of them. I recall two such letters to my departmentalbosses during the 11 years I was a minister. In one case he could not get to Highgrove quick enough for a chat; the other dismissed the letter as being from someone not qualified on the subject. During my time in government I came across such advisers from time to time in NGOs or charities, who struck me as almost messianic in their views, views which had turned up in the letters. If as in some cases the letter begins by the prince indicating “I have learnt that…”, how did he learn and from whom? These are the key to understanding the real worth and value of the views set out.
Jeff Rooker
House of Lords
