SIR - We're letting our children down: 26 per cent of recorded rape victims are children; 75 per cent of babies are smacked before their first birthday.

As a mother of three children, I find these statistics shocking and cases such as the recent abduction and murder of Sarah Payne absolutely heartbreaking.

It's a sad fact that children's rights are still being violated - we need a Children's Commissioner in England to help stop cruelty to children.

The Government is creating a Children's Rights Director to look after the needs of children in care but this is limited to the 200,000 children living in care. I would like to see each one of the 11 million children in England protected. After all, we know that the majority of child abuse happens in the family.

Independent commissions have been created to protect the rights of other vulnerable groups - disabled people, women, ethnic minorities. Shouldn't our children have that same protection?

Karen Hutchinson, The Drive, Crossflatts, Bingley.

SIR - May I suggest a solution to the run-down housing stock in Ravenscliffe, Greengates, Fagley and Thorpe Edge?

Why doesn't Bradford Council do what it's done in other areas of Bradford, namely Manningham, Little Horton, Great Horton, Leeds Road and Barkerend - sell the housing stock to the tenants for a nominal sum.

Then later on when the houses get run down, give the homeowners massive Government grants to put the houses in good repair.

I'm sure the people in Newlands would be happy if this was done. I think this is a good solution.

Peter Wood, Ranelagh Avenue, Ravenscliffe.

SIR - I have recently returned home after having a knee replacement operation in BRI and I would like to say a big "thank you" to all the staff on Ward 3 for the excellent care and attention I received.

They were so kind and helpful in every way and with a sense of humour which helps a lot when you are ill.

They christened me the "Queen Mum" and I could not have received better care had I been her.

Perhaps they would like to know I am progressing well and all thanks to them.

Thanks to the catering staff too. I enjoyed my meals.

Mrs J Ann Ingle, Midland Road, Baildon.

SIR - What a selective memory Councillor Smith has (T&A, Letters, November 7). It would appear that the Tory party now encourages people to cause misery and suffering to the vast majority of the population for their own gains.

Is this a person who supports the same party who brought the full powers of the law to bear when the miners were fighting for their livelihoods, not to mention the futures of the communities in which they lived?

Perhaps he would be better off telling the populus just what effect these protesters' demands would have on the tax system of this country. To meet them would mean either huge cuts in public services or an increase in income tax of around 4p in the pound.

He also neglects to mention that his party was responsible for the Fuel Tax Escalator which led to the above inflation rises in fuel duty. This was stopped by the current Labour Government.

He fails to mention the criminal amounts that the fuel companies make in profits each year, or that the cost of crude oil has risen by 300 per cent in recent times.

Andrew Stone, Crystal Terrace, Bradford 4.

SIR - I am trying to establish contact with men from 54 Ind Field Squadron Royal Engineers who were stationed in Hong Kong between 1958 & 1963. There were a number of regular and National Servicemen from the Bradford, Keighley and other Yorkshire areas.

Some ex-Squadron members are already in contact, but would be pleased to hear from others who served.

Contact Yorky Turner on yorkt@adam.com.au Colin Turner, 03 Lydiate Road, Noarlunge Downs, South Australia 5168.

SIR - In my opinion, the state of the roadside drainage is disgusting. These must be 20 per cent blocked solid. They have been like this for two years. Have the Council decided to stop the cleaning procedure?

G J Stirk, Old Park Road, Greengates.