As a lifelong reader of EMC, albeit from the position of academic, rather than engineering professional, I was appalled at the language in the letter from Mr Ferguson (‘P for parliamentary pranks and Prescott', EMC, June, page 5).

If this foul diatribe is any indication of the state of our industry and its lack of respect for authority, I hold out little hope for the future.

Mr Ferguson you are a disgrace to your profession.

Roger Dervish, Via e-mail