No doubt, it will soon spread to other counties.
Yours sincerely,IRIS MINTRIMShoebury,Essex15 June. The evidence of spittle was still prominent on my shirt three hours later: a map of New Zealand spreading indelicately across my shoulder, fading to a shade of armpit yellow. I could scarcely believe such policies could be insidiously introduced. Last week my elderly parents, who live in Powys, were informed by both their district nurse and occupational therapist that the provision of equipment to assist with care at home had not been provided free since 1 April 1995 and, in future, will be charged at commercial rates for such aids. Sir: With reference to your series on the future of the National Health Service and today’s theme of community care for the elderly (“A new system that can cost an arm and possibly your house too”, 15 June), I can substantiate Nicholas Timmins’ excellent article. People would be wise to check out the customs of a country before they visit, so that problems are reduced.
Since proper hejab only requires modest dress when out in public, I can hardly see vitamin D deficiency being more of a problem than wrapping up when it is cold or rainy.Yours faithfully,HAMZAH BAIGPevensey, East Sussex15 June. Less-dressed women are more obvious in Islamic countries because the Western woman may be the only person in the street dressed in a manner to which the locals are not accustomed and, as such, will be the centre of attention.

If you venture into other Islamic countries (Malaysia, for example), this does not occur. The idea that women can walk down any street in Britain wearing less clothing without attracting much attention is mistaken Wolf whistles from workmen are just a small sign. The shrouding in black approach is culturally to do with Arabians and is only loosely connected with Islam. Sir: Contrary to what Julie Hynds believes (Letters, 15 June), hejab does not require women to be shrouded from head to foot in black but states that a women should be modestly dressed and should have her hair covered This is applicable only when she is in public There is no such requirement when she is among family. These would ensure that the undoubted benefits of the initiative continue to be felt.Yours faithfully,ADRIAN BARRITTDirectorIsle of Wight Rural Community CouncilNewport, Isle of Wight17 June.

The result is that schemes both exclude children in greatest need and, in many areas, cannot afford to pay staff a living wage.
One solution would be to target help at poorer families. This would boost the numbers in small rural clubs, both enabling the cost to be kept low and helping financial viability. Additionally, the Government’s childcare initiative, due to end in March 1996, could be extended in a modified form to provide on-going support to local umbrella federations of clubs. Fees have to be kept low if parents are to afford them, yet they have to be sufficiently high to pay for qualified staff. Yet, small out-of-school care schemes in rural areas with low wages and insecure or seasonal employment patterns struggle to survive.

Here on the Isle of Wight we have generated more places than ever anticipated, and demonstrated not only the latent demand but also the value of an early years unit that draws together education and social services. Childcare support has many qualitative benefits not yet appreciated by our rulers. Policies are too often directed at securing short-term political advantage, rather than strengthening family life, stimulating children, preventing ill-health and the many other potential benefits. The Government’s own out-of-school childcare initiative is an example of a good idea spoiled by lack of a halfpenny-worth of tar.