I REFER to the resolution passed by our city council concerning the deplorable practise of female genital mutilation. Whilst I am against this barbaric operation, I am wondering why this topic was brought before the Council.

I don’t think this subject is within their remit, neither do they have the clout to change foreign customs and policies. If there is a problem in this country, with potential victims of around 170,000, the perpetrators should be arrested and either be immediately deported or locked-up for many years. It strikes me that this was brought before the Council for personal kudos - being a fairly topical subject at the moment. As the Council have a lot more problems to sort out, FGM should be way down the list. I don’t think that citizens would be too pleased if the Council started wasting money on surveys and investigations. Wonder what next is going to appear on the front page of the Council agenda?

Jim Dyer, Stockton Road, Newport