Parliament was in

I WILL be charitable and presume that Phil Allen (Letters, October 20) did not know that parliament was in recess when he wrote to inform our new MP, Geoffrey Cox, that he had been sent to the House of Commons, scene of some of the most memorable and momentous debates in our history, to ?verbally abuse Tony?. Your pages last week informed Mr Allen that Mr Cox does indeed use his time in parliament to ?get something done about West Devon? in trying to debate the impending disaster at Winkleigh and giving constant attention to the prospect of wind farms in this area. On the occasion to which Mr Allen refers Geoffrey was doing what all conscientious MPs do by returning to their constituencies during recess to report to their supporters, hold surgeries for all constituents, regardless of party loyalties, to discuss their problems and give advice, and attend meetings to keep abreast of any local problems and developments. Out committee had chosen a date during recess to hold our Sunday harvest luncheon to which Geoffrey came, despite the fact that he prefers to keep Sundays free to enjoy family life, of which he sees precious little when the House is sitting. Now that he is better informed, Mr Allen may agree that what our MP was doing may be a little more productive for West Devon than seeking our Prime Minister, in whatever corner of the world he has chosen to enjoy another free family holiday, and remind him of his responsibilities by hurling volleys of personal abuse. Sandra Sutton Chairman Okehampton branch Torridge and West Devon Conservative Party