Joyce Edmond-Smith wishes to see the House of Commons debate Lord Joffe's Assisted Dying For The Terminally Ill Bill (Letters, May 17).

I wonder if the "large majority of people in this country" she claims support the Bill would welcome the use of the Parliament Act by the Government to prevent further discussion of it in the Lords?

Ms Edmond-Smith is, no doubt, aware the Bill was and is opposed not only by many individual disabled people but also by senior doctors represented by the Royal Colleges of Physicians, General Practitioners and Psychiatrists.

As Maureen Stack accurately pointed out (Letters, May 13), Lord Joffe's so-called assisted suicide Bill has, thus far, additionally united in opposition to it leaders of the all major religions.

Since this Government has shown itself capable of curtailing debate in the Lords using the Parliament Act, it would appear it is Ms Edmond-Smith's opinions which are out of touch with those of both doctors and the public.

-Stephen J Williams, Hove