Roy Hilliard should have referred to Genesis before criticising Elizabeth Taylor for her compassionate views (Opinion, March 9) and claiming Biblical authority.

If he reads chapter 1, verse 29, he will realise it was indubitably God's original plan for mankind to be vegetarian.

"And God said: Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed upon the earth and all trees that have in themselves seed of their own kind, to be your meat" (Douay-Challoner text).

Furthermore, abstention from meat (and even dairy products) has been practised throughout Christian history during Lent and other designated fasts. In this respect, Elizabeth's suggestion is spot on.

-William Fraser, Summerheath Road, Hailsham