I AGREE with Michael Treadwell concerning paupers’ funerals (ViewPoints, October 15).

These funeral parlours treat everyone the same. I know for a fact you don’t have to be embalmed but everyone is unless you mention it to them, as we did when it came to my brother. This will reduce the figure by well over £100.

I don’t know how many people watched the funeral programme on telly (about three weeks ago), concerning the treatment of bodies at two funeral parlours that were secretly filmed.

It was disgusting the way the people were treated. I don’t know if these parlours have the monopoly over funerals, but someone should think of having a nice transit van and start their own funeral service. It would work out a lot cheaper.

Do away with the prayers; if anyone in the family wishes to say a few words, so be it.

Remember, you’re talking to the congregation – the dead can’t hear. It doesn’t matter how much the family splashed out to give them a good send off – rich or poor, the send off is the same. Doesn’t matter how you get to the crematorium!

P HOWARD, Brome Place, Barton Estate, Headington