CONGRATULATIONS to the Department of Internal Revenue on the slaughter of a goose that lays golden eggs.

Apparently Mohammed al Fayed has been pursued for more tax with such diligence he is about to take himself (and presumably his already considerable contribution) away to another country. Let us now sing the Civil Service and Local Government Staff hymn.

Oh Lord look down and grant content to servants of the government

That we may struggle to comply with regulations till we die.

Be sure that all who give offence will be pursued for recompense

For this shall ever be our song, "The customer is always wrong."

Discretion, tact and common sense exist for others to dispense,

On one thing only we can count. The rules are always paramount.

JOHN HINTON, Worcester.