It is glaringly inconsistent for some Government ministers to seek to reduce the abortion rate by dropping the 24-week limit while supporting penalisation of the children of unemployed parents through targeted cuts in the benefits system.

If the survival and welfare of children is crucial, economic support should be available as a practical alternative to abortion.

If saving public money is paramount, then surely Tories should be seeking to raise the abortion limit to five years or older?

JOHN EOIN DOUGLAS Spey Terrace Edinburgh