Yes, the veggie versus omnivore debate is exhausted, and neither side will budge.

As I understand it, veggies complain that the green stuff that cattle and sheep eat is the cause of gases that are destroying the planet, so how does that square with millions of humans eating similar fodder? Have they a gas exemption certificate, or would it be prudent to walk some distance behind them?

As an inveterate carnivore, I can promise that I have no beef with any vegetarians, but I would caution them that when the last green field and allotment has disappeared under the thousandth eco-town, they may have to rethink their lifestyle, while "carnies" can resort to lugworms on the shore, and all sorts of meaty sea-creatures.

Barry Sheffield, Enderby.