From Ms Elizabeth Balsom.

Sir, I wonder how Alistair Darling expects his much-vaunted temporary cut in value added tax to boost UK plc. Last week I bought from my vet the syringes I need for my cat's diabetes – made in Italy. Other purchases taken at random: cotton buds from Boots' baby counter – Greece; washable doormat – Denmark; sticky tape to keep rugs on carpets – US; dishwasher _ Germany; vacuum cleaner – Germany; tailor's chalk, £1.25 from John Lewis - Germany (I really love that one).