SIR - One can but laud the humanity and humility of John Anderson in giving of his time and competence in personally administering British aid in Botswana (Letters, December 13).

If all government aid were so administered and invigilated, then the argument against it would be diminished, but regrettably that is not the case.

I agree with John’s implication that corruption may be as rife in the British oligarchy as it is overseas,which is all the more reason why foreign aid should not be mandatory and subject to government sponsored political and commercial interests.

It should be left to the proven goodwill of the British public.

Many of those who object to being coerced by the Government into giving their money, do have a conscience and give direct to causes which they have vetted and believe to be worthy.

I wonder however, now that we are being forced to give a significant amount of money per head, whether it will effect what is being given as a token of free will.

If the amount were published then it probably would.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon