SCOTTISH politics needs a reality check when it is suggested we need more MSPs at Holyrood because of extra powers (“Wallace thinks Holyrood could need more MSPs”, The Herald, August 22). The question is not whether Parliament is too small but whether it works and MSPs show that independence of mind and thinking on the legislation before them and its detail at that. The Named Persons legislation difficulties reflect more on numpties than numbers.

Backbench MSP numbers could increase tomorrow with fewer ministers what with 10 cabinet secretaries and 12 other ministers and their liaison assistants. Why, we even employ a minister with nothing better to do than seek euphemisms for the word “benefit”. Meanwhile fire service jobs are going, the Police Service has lost morale and our NHS has sadly seen better days at a time when demands are increasing. Let Holyrood get to grips with our problems, not with its own numbers.

There has been talk about a second chamber for our devolved Holyrood Parliament. The New Zealand National Parliament abolished its decades ago, and when once passing a pub near its Beehive Parliament building I noted the apt title House without Peers.

Jim Craigen,

38 Downie Grove, Edinburgh.