SEVERAL years ago due to the high number of unsolicited phone calls I was receiving from people selling double glazing, offering to help me make a claim for the recent accident I had not had, to offering to cut my fuel bills, I changed my phone number, went ex-directory and joined the telephone preference service.

For a year or so I did not receive any more such calls but then slowly the calls began again and now I receive as many, or maybe more, calls than I did before.

Plus I now also get them on my mobile phone. As my new number is not in the phone directory and there is no listing for mobile phone numbers I can only assume my number is being passed on by a third party.

If this is the case what gives these third parties the right to pass on or sell my phone number? If I give my number to someone that is between me and them and does not give them the right to give or sell my number on.

I have heard that insurance companies and even councils are making money by selling phone numbers and if that is correct it should not be allowed by law.

We keep hearing all the fuss about well known people having their voice-mail messages hacked and mobile phone calls intercepted, what’s the difference?

By passing on or selling phone numbers should be treated the same whether you are famous or not, makes no difference, it is still invading your private life and that is wrong.

KEITH BROOKS, Gateley, Horspath, Oxford