Better use of aid

SIR – The burgeoning furore over the behaviour of Oxfam’s employees in disbursing overseas aid brings into question the manner in which taxpayers’ money is used by the Department for International Development (Dfid).

Non-governmental organisations compete with one another for public funding. Many of these claim charitable status, but this area of activity has now become an industry with all the associated malpractices of a commercial environment.

Our Armed Forces are presently severely underfunded. They have the expertise and proven ability to deal with disasters and emergency situations across the world. It would be logical, sensible and more acceptable to the electorate if the necessary funds were redirected from Dfid to the defence budget.

Mick Richards

Llanfair Waterdine, Shropshire

SIR – I have no doubt, in spite of recent events, that Oxfam does a huge amount of splendid work. The whole point of charity, however, is that we as individuals support organisations close to our hearts.

I am not sure it is the Government’s place to pick and choose which charities to support or not.

Peter Little

Herne Bay, Kent

SIR – A friend of mine went on an overland expedition from Cairo to Cape Town and, on more than one occasion, in more than one country, saw clothes from Oxfam crates being sold in street markets.

Maureen Holtum

Bath, Somerset