Letter: Victims of the .22 handgun

Sir: I remember the authorities once deciding that motorcycles above 250cc were too dangerous for beginners, who were then restricted to the much less powerful machines below 250cc. Most new sales are to beginners. The motorcycle industry reacted by developing within this restriction machines of no lesser power than the older "large" motorbikes. How long before we face .22 pistols with the power of today's .44 magnums?

PHIL PAYNE

Isham, Northamptonshire