SIR - I was interested in your feature on Parkinsons Perfect Vise (T&A, January 3).

These miniatures were much sought -fter by the employees of the company. They were a perfect working model with the quick release which was patented by Parkinsons.

The spelling of "Vise" may have been because the family was very religious.

The company also manufactured the Parkinson Milling Machine and Sunderland Gear Cutters, exported all over the world and noted for their reliability.

Twenty five to 30 apprentices were recruited every year and their skills were appreciated by other engineering companies nationwide who recruited them.

Sadly they were eventually overtaken by new technology, despite being taken over by Croft's Engineers of Bradford and then Renold Chain, of Manchester.

The company closed its doors in September, 1984, suffering the fate of many in the British machine tool industry.

Roy Conway, Octagon Terrace, Halifax