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