Robin Spokes writes about the slaughter of bull calves, which could be put down to the EU and its various regulations (Oxford Mail, September 22).

I recollect that in the 1930s — and no doubt long before this time — it was the practice in the dairy industry to slaughter such calves as surplus to requirements.

At that time, animal protection societies waged a newspaper campaign against the cruelties, with graphic illustrations of newly born calves being thrown into lorries and taken to slaughter. Continentals acquire bull calves as a favourite meat — I am not sure if this trade from the UK still continues. It is, of course, the basis of real Wiener schnitzel for those who like it!

Mr Spokes suggests calves are reared and the meat exported to starving countries, but the costs of feedstuff would make this difficult.

DAVID BARNARD Cherwell Avenue Kidlington