DRUGS CO-ORDINATOR

Sir, - With reference to the report by Frank Urquhart (early editions, 9
Apr), I wish to point out that I did not make "an astonishing attack" on
the appointment of Keith Hellawell as the United Kingdom drugs co-ordinator.

In response to a suggestion by your reporter that I was highly critical of
the appointment my reply was: "Those are your words not mine. I welcome the
appointment." Your report failed to acknowledge that, and in the context of
a grossly misrepresentative headline, it placed a totally perjorative slant
on what I said and what my opinions are with regard to Mr Hellawell's post.

I wish him well and hope he receives the resources and the staff to enable
him to fulfil his role satisfactorily.

(Dr) Ian Oliver Chief Constable Grampian Police Queen Street, Aberdeen