I WOULD like to express my wholehearted support for the enlightened motion put forward by Councillor Paul Blanchard that the City of York Council should do all in its power to discourage or prohibit the sale of foie gras within the local authority area (Let's outlaw cruel trade - The Press, January 23).

It is one of the most distressing and sickening examples of the exploitation, abuse and suffering of factory-farmed animals in existence today and has been outlawed in Britain. It would be wonderful if York drew attention to this, in Paul Blanchard's words, "intolerably cruel and painful practice" by banning the sale of the product.

Anna Grey Keble Park North, Bishopthorpe, York.