Sir,-Mr Vincent Cable is to be congratulated on his defence of church schools. Having visited various faith schools in the borough, he has found nothing wrong with them; has indeed been much impressed by their high academic and cultural standards. Be assured, Jenny Tonge, that they are neither divisive nor a drain on society, but rather a decided asset to the country. Vincent Cable kindly reminds us that, in order to preserve the privilege of teaching the faith, church schools pay an extra 25-30 per cent towards maintenance and facilities. This is quite a heavy burden on top of normal taxes and council dues which we willingly and in duty bound, accept to safeguard the spiritual and moral health of present and future generations.

With no axe to grind, (his children did not attend faith schools), without bigotry nor as a zealot, Mr Cable is (as always) ready to defend his constituents, without fear or favour. The Liberal Democrat Party could well do with more members of his calibre. Thank you, Mr Cable for your unbiased support.

-Monica O'Sullivan, Lower Teddington Road, Hampton Wick.

Sir,-Recently overheard whilst visiting Christ's Church of England Secondary School in Richmond. If my children were of school age again I would definitely send them here!'' Guess who? Why Dr Tonge of course!

I wonder why she said that? Was it because we have new classrooms, excellent head teacher, great ambience amongst all staff, smart looking uniform, over-subscription of pupils for 2003 or because we are a church school.

In 1998 Mrs Tonge supported an attempted closure of the same school. Her excuse was that she did not 'like' the Greenwich Agreement (very feeble). Now she doesn't like the school because it embraces a faith. (We are after all a church school). Christ's School has invited the Chief Rabbi of Richmond to partake in a commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day. Students of all faiths will and have a strong faith. So come on Dr Tonge, learn a lesson from us. We are not divisive; we are very tolerant and accepting of all faiths. There is no race issue. We are here to stay. Are you?

-R Okarimia, Washington Road, Barnes.

Sir,-During recent weeks there has been a lot of attention focused on Jenny Tonge's views on faith schools.

In my view, I don't think what happens in school has much bearing on how children develop and how they react towards each other. I believe what happens in the home is much more important as to how children will develop and interact with others. If parents are intolerant and prejudiced then there is a high possibility that the children will follow their example. Politicians should endeavour to promote good and wise parenting, rather than using faith schools as a scapegoat.

-Gerard McEntee, Oliver Court, Isleworth.