SIR – As an 80-year-old man without a governmental minister to look out for my interests, I ask myself why is there one for women? It implies that all the others are for men, which is crazy.

These words have been provoked by Teri Kirk’s letter (T&A, December 27), regarding ministers for pensioners and women. This is another payroll which is currently overburdened.

Philip Bird, Nab Wood Terrace,Shipley