SIR – Re Philip Bird’s point (Letters, April 6) about a voluntary DNA database, “one in 80 million is good enough for me”. But not for the 80 millionth and one person.

Had the number been 200 million, then you would say “but not for the 200 millionth and one person”, and so it goes on.

Your approach to this is, no matter how many digits are added on to a number, you can always add one. At the end of the day, the scheme would be voluntary.

You go on to say that you are utterly against government of any colour making everything compulsory. I don’t recall bringing this issue up, but as you have, I will try and put some feeling into it.

I would not tread on a worm, but should national conscription come back due to circumstances beyond our control, I would walk over you to take my place in line for duty.

A Briggs, Hirstwood Road, Shipley