SIR - In previous correspondence, I and other enlightened Asians have stated that the main reason for Pakistani under-achievement was because of their tradition of forced marriages to uneducated relatives in Pakistan.

Unfortunately, my attempts to trigger off a debate did not materialise - presumably because of the strength of my argument.

Here are a few suggestions that would solve the problem, if implemented fully...

1. All those applying for spouse visas should pay all the administration costs at the British High Commission in Pakistan.

2. The British national should be earning £15,000 per year minimum to apply for a spouse visa, and should have wage slips for three continuous years. He should also own his own home for three years before applying.

3. All those who marry foreign partners should immediately lose ALL their rights to state benefits. However, all British nationals who marry other British nationals should be rewarded with a financial package.

4. All parents or family members found guilty of forcing people into marriage should be imprisoned for a minimum of ten years.

I await a response from Pakistani community leaders.

I Khan, Heaton Road, Bradford.

SIR - I think the treatment of the man who was stopped from distributing soap-powder samples to people's doorsteps is a good sign of tighter security but not if it affects his business. It would be difficult to visit each house and speak to the owner/tenant before leaving the samples.

If the packages are clearly labelled with correct information, then I would think that to be enough.

I can't see someone taking the time to print them to use them for terrorist purposes.

Louise Turner, Otley Road, Bradford.

SIR - I read Bill Hudson's letter "Call-up needed" with concern (Letters, October 15).

May I suggest that if we are to push his or my sons or grandsons at the age of 18, we should encourage them to join an organisation like Peace Brigades International, or Witness for Peace. Either would require courage and discipline, and teach what they need to know of war and violence. They are open to daughters also.

Alternatively, if our country votes for National Service, there should be a choice. Instead of two years military service, our young people could choose to complete two, or even slightly more years, working with medically or mentally-ill patients.

A German student shared by two Bradford schools 20 years ago returned to Germany to his alternative National Service as a mental hospital worker, his choice.

I am intrigued that Mr Hudson doesn't mention females, as in most of this world women "hold up more than half the sky." (I've seen it on a Nicaraguan T-shirt).

John Rodwell, Castlemore Road, Baildon.

SIR - Ayub Khan (Letters, October 15) fails to mention that oppression of Islamic women takes place in mostly non-democratic countries (ie Indonesia), most Middle Eastern countries but most especially in Afghanistan.

There the Taliban treat the Islamic women and girls in a very cruel way which stifles their development as unique individuals under God.

The Muslim women who were killed in New York's twin towers were not "oppressed".

With regard to Islam being the fastest-growing religion: Osama bin Laden's father had 54 children by several wives. Some Afghani fathers are fleeing to Pakistan with nine children, according to reports in one newspaper.

It is a statistical fact that in Britain today, most of the families with the greatest number of children are Muslim ones. Could these be the facts of the matter?

Alan Holdsworth, Church House, London.

SIR - The telephone kiosk on Chapel Lane in Allerton has recently been subject to sustained vandalism. Damage had been perpetrated almost immediately after repairs had been made on the kiosk, and this had occurred over ten times within a three-week period!

It is surprising the authorities have not made a serious effort to apprehend those responsible for these mindless acts of hooliganism. Those caught should be made to pay for the damage and to serve many hours undertaking community service.

It would make sense to remove the kiosk on Chapel Lane, British Telecom is obliged to maintain public telephone boxes as part of its condition of operation.

Alec Suchi, Allerton Road, Allerton.