NORTH Yorkshire County Council should come round to my house and examine the contents of my two-year-old's nappy before making wild claims (Disposable nappies cost county £230k, July 1).

I doubt very much that these figures are factual. And how do they compare with the other NHS waste costs such as incontinence pads and the absorbent sheets used in operating theatres and maternity wards?

The council has also failed to consider the increase in water consumption and the rise in the use of cleaning agents that would be associated with cloth nappies.

Disposable nappies are essential equipment in today's world - people are often on the move and nature waits for no man (or woman). A disposable nappy is a fast solution when you need to change your child in the back of the car.

Cloth nappies would be a more time-consuming and impractical alternative on an already time-bound parent.

The council should put more of its energy into tackling the important issues of house crime and conservation of greenfield sites, rather than making life more difficult for parents.

I doubt many members of the council have ever changed a nappy, let alone tried to wash a soiled one!

Phil Lamond,

Stephenson Close,

Huntington,

York.

Updated: 11:08 Monday, July 05, 2004