Why can’t historic homes reopen when non-essential shops do?

SIR – We were relieved to see the Government’s measured roadmap this week. The resumption of normal business activity at historic houses – from tourism and hospitality to weddings – depends on public confidence that the unlocking is cautious and justified.

We urge the Government to keep the reopening of indoor heritage attractions under close review. Historic houses have demonstrated their ability to manage access and risks. Yet they will only be able to open from May 17 at the earliest, while non-essential retail can reopen from April 12. Allowing these places to open at the same time as shops would safeguard the 34,000 full-time equivalent jobs that independent historic houses support; promote wellbeing; help generate the income needed to pay for vital conservation work; and stimulate the local economy.

We have also asked for clarity on when safe, distanced wedding show-rounds will be allowed. Enabling historic houses to take bookings for future events will help them catch up on the estimated £260 million of income lost over the last year, which in turn will help safeguard jobs in the hospitality industry and the physical fabric of these very special places. The situation remains precarious for independent heritage.

Martha Lytton-Cobbold

Knebworth House

President, Historic Houses

The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon Highclere Castle

The Earl of Harewood

Jane Marriott

Director, Harewood House Trust Victoria Howard

Castle Howard

Andrew Lavery

CEO, Chatsworth House Trust

Lord Leicester

Holkham Hall and 12 others; see telegraph.co.uk

SIR – While I agree with Peter Woods (“Help for hospitality”, Letters, February 21), a substantial decrease in alcohol duty will not be enough.

On Wednesday there is an opportunity for the Chancellor to redress a harmful imbalance that has been allowed to develop over many years, especially for wet-led pubs. A significant rise in the duty imposed on supermarket alcohol sales would be prudent – and he could use one to fund the other.

Think of it as a long-term “drink out to help out” initiative to save many of our wonderful pubs from oblivion.

Dr Andy K Wilkinson

Ely, Cambridgeshire

SIR – George Eustice (Comment, February 21) has announced £10,000 support packages for fishermen.

It is right to champion this £1.6 billion industry – but what, may we ask, has Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, done to help the rapidly collapsing, £213 billion travel industry? Other than tell the public not to book a holiday, precisely nothing. George Morgan-Grenville

Founder and CEO, Red Savannah Ltd Cheltenham, Gloucestershire