My friend Steve Thompson makes a number of interesting points regarding foreign aid and in particular he gives an erudite explanation of the word charity which indeed does mean much more than simply donating money to a worthwhile cause (SA December 11) .

Although we should never lose sight of the importance of charitable giving, which is inculcated into the DNA of many Swindon folk as illustrated by their generosity towards the GWH breast cancer treatment unit, Swindon Women’s Aid and Mr and Mrs Carelli, victims of an attack in their own home.

What Steve chooses to ignore is the inappropriateness of setting a legal requirement for the amount this country is ‘required’ to spend on foreign aid which changes the imperative to one of taxation, as opposed to charity.

Britain has a fine tradition of coming to the aid of those in need both at home and abroad.

As a nation we are recognised for being not only compassionate but also pragmatic, acting not just according to emotion, but taking into account the need.

Giving a government department an extra £2billion when by all accounts it is unable to spend wisely what it already has, is a recipe for disaster.

Steve also misses a vital aspect of charitable giving when he alludes to the ‘penny’ he puts in the charity box – that penny is his, to do with as he pleases. When Mr Cameron legislates to give 0.7 per cent of GDP to foreign aid he is not giving his own money, he is giving taxpayer money and worse it is borrowed money upon which the taxpayer pays interest.

It is not the business of Government, national or local, to subsidise charities – which of course is another very interesting subject for debate.

Des Morgan Caraway Drive Swindon