Some 60 years ago a family from Europe tried to enter the UK seeking asylum. They failed. They came back again and this time they gained entrance.

After setting down somewhere in England, it was decided a change of surname would be beneficial. So they opted for the good old English name of Howard.

The Portillos never changed theirs. And many of the foreign workers I had in my section at the Cowley car plant likewise had no need to change -- so why did the 'now-known-as-Howards' find it necessary?

Michael Howard has been going on and on about immigration and what his party would do if elected, new rules and regulations. If they had been in operation when his family tried to enter, would they have succeeded?

Perhaps someone might try to get Mr Howard to comment on what I've written. And another thing I would like to find out. What musical instrument does he play?

The reason for asking is that he is jumping on that many bandwagons lately that I suggest he becomes a member of the Musicians' Union, just like he was for many years.

TOM WARD

Allder Close, Abingdon