It's a rum do when cook's a logistician

I have never imagined that the Ministry of Defence was anything other than serious, but there is at least one resident 'jobsworth' who has a sense of humour.

That person dreamed up the title 'Logistician (Catering Services) Preparation' for a branch of the Royal Navy.

What does a member of that branch do? He's a cook! That's an honest title to describe the high-ly-esteemed job that he does.

Of course it might be Mr Browne (Des - the one with an 'e' - the defence secretary) trying to justify the tenure of his position (though he'll have to go some to equal Mr Hattersley's attempt. He got rid of the rum ration as he recounted recently, with relish, on a television programme).

Obviously, he could not have seen the adverse effect that might have had on the Navy's morale, though his advisers should have.

BR HUDSON Dunmow Close, Hanworth.