WHY do we need a license to go fishing, to sell flowers in the market place or even to collect for charity in the street when anyone can call themselves a plumber, with no training or formal qualifications?

To become a competent plumber takes a minimum of two years' training and work experience. Yet no proof of qualifications or competence is required for someone to enter your house and interfere with what most householders take for granted - hot and cold running water, sanitation and heating.

Then the "plumber" can overcharge for doing as little as possible. Time and again we read of customer misfortunes when using a rogue trader, but when are householders going to learn just because someone advertises as a plumber it doesn't mean they are qualified?

All tradesmen and women should carry an ID card with a photo on the front and qualifications on the back.

This would be a fine issue for a local MP to take up. In the mean time all we can do at best is ask for proof or look for membership of recognised organisations such as the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (IPHE) or Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC).

Andrew Terry,

Eastfield Crescent,

Badger Hill, York.

Updated: 10:22 Monday, June 27, 2005