From Mr W. T. Brookes, FRPharmS
SIR,-Recent letters in the PJ on the decision of the Officers to set up a task force to examine the post of editor before appointing a successor to Douglas Simpson are evidence of the growing concern within the membership on the issue of editorial freedom and independence. The remarks by Robert Blyth during his tribute to Douglas (PJ, September 9, p359) add further weight to these concerns, concerns which I share and wish to support. The questions asked by Graham Phillips in the final paragraph of his letter to the PJ of September 9 (p365) are highly pertinent and need clear and quick answers.
Douglas did an excellent job, often under difficult circumstances, during his 13 years as editor. It is up to the Council and, failing that body, the membership to ensure that his successor is able to do a comparable job in, to quote Robert Blyth, "an atmosphere of freedom". Douglas and the PJ staff deserve no less.
W. T. Brookes
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire