It surprised me to find an article recommending that materials should be sourced from China, a country that doesn’t recognise human rights (remember the students’ protest in Tiananmen Square?) and that is buying illegally forested timber from Malaysia, leaving it struggling to sustain its natural diversity (12 October, page 14).

Of course these materials will be cheaper – Chinese workers are treated no better than slaves, paid a pittance and allowed to live in squalor while their houses are destroyed and replaced by tower blocks that they can’t afford to live in.

It is irresponsible to print an article that turns a blind eye to the disgraceful quality of life offered in these countries so we can have our materials cheaper. Do we not have a conscience any more? Or are we just after the money for our profit share at Christmas?

Duncan Clough, senior project manager

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