Sir, - An item in the Around the Block column of your Property Supplement (February 7th) bids "Goodbye to the garret, adieu to the attic". I do not understand why the writer feels sad "that the Parisian garret, where countless writers shivered while they wrote, has become an endangered space". Surely this should be welcomed.
Your columnist explains that according to the new regulations, the attic spaces cannot be rented out to impoverished artists, or to anyone else for that matter. Minimum standards have been laid down for property intended for the rental market.
The writer states that "rooms must be 10.7 square yards and 7ft 2ins high", although I am sure that in the regulations measurements are given in metric units. Why has the Property Supplement been so reluctant to adopt the metric system? This contrasts with the rapid adoption of the euro.
Your columnist concluded his report by quoting France's Secretary of State for Housing, Marie-Noelle Lienenam.
"There will be regular tests on rented housing the same way that any old car has to pass its MoT." It is more likely that she referred to the CTA (Control Technique d'Automobile).
There is no need to say goodbye to the car or the garret if they comply with the regulations which are in the public interest. - Yours, etc.,
AODHAGÁN BRIOSCÚ,
Páirc Gleann Mheara,
Cnoc Liamhna,
Baile Átha Cliath 16.