So the gaffe-prone Duke of Edinburgh thinks children should take part in potentially dangerous experiences despite the deaths of three children this summer.

Bunmi Shagaya died on a school trip - the other two were, I believe, with their parents and, in the case of Amelia Ward, she and her parents were into extreme sports.

While I understand the concerns of Nigel de Gruchy, general secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters-Union of Women Teachers, about his membership being sued, whatever happened to insurance?

His members would only be liable if they were negligent.

Yes, this means they have to be responsible but they are in a position of responsibility in the classroom and the playground, after all, and these school trips should be an extension of the classroom, not just a jolly. What is the difference?

-Simon Benson, Coleman Avenue, Hove