Opinions: Is tax avoidance wrong?

KEN HOUSE, BBC producer: John Birt is crapping on the little man while looking after himself. To find out that he's not even a member of staff is outrageous. I'm not even bothered about Birt evading tax. What annoys me is the mind-boggling hypocrisy at the BBC, which is stopping other people from working as freelances by forcing them on to short-term staff contracts. This also means they can sack us when they want. No, sorry, I can't give my real name.

MICHAEL WINNER, film director: I'm the most genuine freelance in the world. I had 160 employers last year, I'm quite happy that I pay my tax honourably. The tax payer's charter, which I'm holding in my right hand, states that one should pay only what is due under the law. There's all the difference in the world between avoidance and evasion.

JOHN SMITH, window cleaner: It's only wrong if you get caught. If you're really rich you don't.

TIM SCARGILL, Class War: To be quite honest, tax avoidance is a very good thing. I wouldn't pay a penny myself on principle.

RT REV RICHARD HARRIES, Bishop of Oxford: Attempts to avoid tax are wrong. It is a matter of duty to contribute towards people in need in society.

MARCELLE D'ARGY SMITH, editor, Cosmopolitan: It is totally, glaringly obvious it is wrong, but if legal loopholes exist people have the right to explore them. I would.

ANNABEL LITTLEWOOD, City dealer: Yes, because I don't avoid tax and it pisses me off if other people do.

ROBERT HOLMES, Ken Dodd's agent: Thanks for your interest, but anything to do with that and the answer is no.

(Photograph omitted)