Sir, You report that the estimate to repair Big Ben is £29 million. For that price we could challenge British industrial engineering to provide a brand new replacement, keeping what we see and love traditional but with the unseen works bang up to date (letter, Oct 20). No committees, no hysterics, just home-grown traditional craftsmanship combined with innovative electrical, electronic and mechanical skills under good practical management and leadership.
Tony Coutts-Britton
Dilton Marsh, Wilts