I READ, with interest, in last week's Times, 'HIPs suspension bringing hope', and felt I must point out the effect this has had on the poor souls who paid out a lot of money, to train as energy consultants, who are now jobless and minus thousands of pounds.

I think it's deplorable that the Government should have 'advertised' for these people, who then had to pay out (like my son) £8,000 odd, having given up a decent job, and tried to 'better' himself, as did many others.

He spent not only money, but a year of hard study travelling to London for exams etc. All this has come to nothing.

Perhaps 'HIPs' was not the perfect solution for selling a house but it did have 'good points'. Think of all these people who have spent good money and studied — and for what?

Personally, I feel the Government should recompense these people.

Pauline Derrick

Mitre Close

Tavistock