THE announcement by the  acting  Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce on the importation of one million pounds of chicken provoked in me the disturbing question of how the 12 importers were selected to be given licences for the importation. This discrimination is most regrettable and I wonder why open tenders were not invited.  Further, the quality of chicken should be confined to U.S. grade A choice and the tenderer with the best price be awarded the contract.

It is not too late to adopt this fair principle which cannot be faulted.