SIR – On the article re MPs Philip Davies and Gerry Sutcliffe disagreement over gambling issues (T&A, January 20), I am totally against all forms of gambling because I know the damage it does to society along with alcohol.

I have known a few working men who, after fluctuating between pub and betting shop, have often lost a whole week’s wages in pursuit of that elusive win that would have solved their financial problems, yet instead finished up with nothing to give the wife for housekeeping, then had to sub off their employer for bus fares or dinner money leaving not much to draw next payday fuelling the cycle of family deprivation all over again.

Although these days I believe it more likely to be benefits that are squandered in that way on fixed odds betting terminals.

D S Boyes, Upper Rodley Lane, Leeds