With the knowledge of imminent cuts in expenditure we could tackle the deficit with another tactic.

It is about time we were serious about buying British.

Sceptics will say there is nothing left of British goods to buy, or that we haven’t a clue as to where a product really comes from – to these I say read the label before you buy. Eat foods in season and preferably food produced locally.

Where there is any British element in the product, buy that rather than a product solely from abroad.

Could it spread nationwide? It’s worth a try!

Pat Carruthers, address supplied