Silent players

SIR – Hugh Neve (Letters, February 19) need not worry about the younger generation not recognising the “winding down a window” mime.

They still recognise the manual “film-camera winding” mime every Christmas during the traditional game of charades. Euan Morrison Edinburgh SIR – Christopher Booker (Review, February 19) raises the problem of EU border inspection posts, which may have to examine every British food item exported to the EU if we choose to leave the European Economic Area.

He does not mention the equivalent problem that the EU may encounter with its vehicle exports at new UK border inspection posts.

For every action like this, there could be a reaction. But, as the saying goes, we are not going to hurt one another, are we?

Dr Peter R Blower Great Yeldham, Essex

SIR – It is true that, if we leave the EEA, we will be up against new regulations, including border inspection posts.

However, the cost of these will seem like small change compared, for example, to the cost of bailing out failing EU countries such as Greece.

As for new regulations, it will be in the interest of all EU members that wish to continue exporting to us to make them as uncomplicated as possible.

Chris Platford Malmesbury, Wiltshire

SIR – Mr Booker’s case for staying in the single market and the EEA does not become any more convincing. His latest claim that the EU market is “like a fortress against the outside world” is inconsistent with the facts.

All of the examples that he cites come from agriculture. There, the normal trading rules do not apply, and a combination of high and variable tariffs, trade discrimination and subsidies to producers allow prices to be raised way above world levels. These conditions are not typical.

Changes will have to be made when we leave the EU. If, as Mr Booker seems to think, any changes are impossible, then he must be saying that we should continue to be subject to the Common Agricultural Policy. That is hard to believe.

Patrick Staunton London NW1