Letter: Cloning: the `experts' must learn to listen

Sir: I believe Richard Dawkins has always supported the need to explore rationally the deep ethical concerns about the possible uses of scientific discoveries; there are plenty of philosophers of science and professors of medical ethics competent to do this.

No "overstretched" and poorly informed person - religious leader or otherwise - need write or broadcast their comments, whatever the blandishments of the media (letter, 11 March). Any such overstretched scientist asked to comment on "the implications of Popper's objective knowledge", or anything else, would reply: "Search me, mate - not my field. But contact X or Y, they're bang up to speed on these issues."

ANN DUNCOMBE

Menstrie, Central Scotland