I WROTE previously regarding the bird flu epidemic at the Bernard Matthews' factory farm in Suffolk, and the plight of the 160,000 birds which were subsequently slaughtered.

At the time we were led to believe the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was considering legal action against the company for breaches of hygiene regulations.

But we now learn that far from being prosecuted, the company is to receive £600,000 in compensation, presumably for the loss of saleable poultry meat.

Where on Earth is the justification for such an appalling decision?

CHRIS POPE

Nurstead Road

Erith