Gerald Haigh (Letters, 8 April) is quite correct in highlighting the risks of skin cancer in ex-servicemen who worked in hot and sunny countries. Dermatologists such as myself see a large number of patients with skin cancer who served abroad with the armed services. Ex-servicemen that develop skin cancer as a result of sun exposure during their service may be entitled to compensation from the War Pensions Agency. More info from the Veterans UK helpline on 0800 169 2277 or at www.veterans-uk.info
Dr James Halpern
The Birmingham Skin Centre
• Tim Lott (The secret about the search for happiness: it’s making us sad, 10 April) bemoans “happiness fascism”. Thoreau would agree: “Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.”
Professor Brendan Kelly
University College Dublin
• Patricia Golding (Letters, April 10) speaks ill of London’s parakeets. Largely housebound for four years, I have found few greater joys than seeing, or hearing, these highly intelligent, subtly communicative, uncannily beautiful birds.
Athar Yawar
Surbiton, Surrey
• I would prefer the pharmacy that was “Passionate about prescriptions” (Letters, 11 April) to the one that had the mission statement “We dispense with accuracy”.
Alan Conn
Birling, Northumberland
• While teaching in my 20s, I was told by a pupil: “I’ve forgotten my swimming trunks, Grandad”; I was also frequently called “Mum” (Letters, 11 April).
David Feintuck
Lewes, East Sussex
