January 6. The optimism of the Prime Minister (with access to some

expert advice) contrasts starkly with the gloomy prognosis of certain

knighted heads of industry and commerce. Other -- rather more successful

-- captains of industry accept the challenge and get on with the job.

At this season of hope our sympathy must go out to those unfortunate

members of society hit by the trauma and tragedy of unemployment --

often the unlucky victims of cost-cutting and efficiency measures. At

least our social security system, like our health service, must be one

of the best in the world.

During this severe depression, British industry has perforce become

much leaner and fitter, with lower unit labour costs than ever before,

able to respond to market recovery. There is still much scope for

greater efficiency and better standards of service in certain

nationalised and private monopoly industries where the needs and

interests of the customer seem to have a very low priority.

In this volatile, uncertain world it would be foolish to attempt any

prophecy, but my firm conviction is that 1993, if not 1992, will see

prosperity and quality of life as never before, with the United Kingdom

among the leaders in Europe. We should look abroad, to Europe and beyond

to the north and east, and count our blessings.

Perhas the stock market is a better indicator of public opinion than

any random opinion poll. It amounts to putting your money where your

mouth is.

Thomas E. Whittle,

19 Kildoon Drive,

Maybole.