Had charcoal been available in only a few restricted outlets, he would still have obtained what he needed. It would have made no difference. This 'solution', while attempting to be thoughtful and helpful, really misses the point.

I think the point should be to love one another to such an extent that the troubles we all face can be shared and faced together. Lovers, family and friends should be more tolerant of those around them, more giving of time and more understanding.

This sort of thing would really help prevent suicide more effectively than restricting the sale of charcoal.

Gary Collings, Mid-Levels

I was delighted to see your article about charcoal sales. It has always puzzled me as to why charcoal needs to be so freely available in Hong Kong. If we just take a snap poll of people sitting around us in an office, restaurant or bus, practically no one uses charcoal for their daily cooking or heating.

Given that it is not an essential daily item, its availability in almost all supermarkets and convenience stores is curious. Most people I have talked to about charcoal sales react exactly the same way the spokesperson from ParknShop did in saying, 'It is impractical'.

Why is it impractical? Surely, the profit from charcoal sales to ParknShop must be minuscule. Would it not be great for the image of the two supermarket chains if they stopped selling charcoal for several months to check if the number of charcoal deaths dropped.

In terms of a social experiment, it would hardly cost the two chains anything and people who felt they wanted to buy charcoal for barbecues could still do so at sites where such facilities are provided.

The deaths from charcoal burning are tragic, but it is even more tragic when they involve multiple victims. This is because charcoal burning is such an effective way to kill not only oneself, but others, who may not wish to die.

I congratulate your newspaper, Dr Paul Yip Siu-fai and his centre for initiating this debate. I hope the supermarkets can consider this experiment to see what impact such a move would have on suicide deaths. It would be wonderful to see the suicide numbers drop and the two supermarket chains contribute so much to Hong Kong society.

Philip Beh, Pokfulam

I am surprised by the suggestion that making charcoal more difficult to obtain would help reduce the suicide rate.

If one day jumping off tall buildings becomes the preferred way to commit suicide, will Dr Yip propose that Hong Kong stop approving construction of tall buildings?

Suicide experts should tackle the root of the problem. The cause is not charcoal or tall buildings; it is depression.

Russel Lu, Kowloon East

I think this idea is utterly unrealistic. Banning people from buying charcoal will not reduce the suicide rate. As long as they have the determination to end their lives, it is hard to change their mindset.

If people are eager to kill themselves, they can always find other means.

This idea is totally impractical. The most effective way to reduce the rate of suicide is to educate people about the value of life and to treasure their health.

Candy Au Ka Yan, Tsuen Wan

Q Should Discovery Bay remain car-free?

I wish Disco Bay would remain a car-free zone. If it opens for public transport, it will lose its charm.

Zah Man Chu, Discovery Bay

I support the 'park and ride' plan. Car parks will be located outside or at the end of Discovery Bay and that should not cause any problems within Discovery Bay. If Hong Kong Resort can assure that no private car will be allowed in Discovery Bay, then there should be no problem with this plan.

I would like to have a car too, but with current conditions, this is not possible. I don't mind taking a local bus to the end of Discovery Bay, where my car could be parked, and then take my car anywhere. Discovery Bay will still be the same even then.

Name and address supplied

Q At what age should children be eligible for ATM cards?

I think there should be no minimum age, as it is today. When a child has an ATM card, it will help them to learn how to budget their money. It will instil good habits. If parents give their child an allowance in cash, they will spend it and ask for more.

Children will feel more responsible having their own card. They will have to go to the bank or ATM to withdraw money. They will quickly learn how to budget.

People all over the world are using plastic instead of money. It is a good idea to teach our children how to obtain and use ATM cards.

Michele Kalish, South Bay