Economic boost

The "economic recovery" politicians talk about (your report, 16 July) may be a much-needed boost from an unexpected source.

A few years ago two US economists gave an original twist to the topic of tax by arguing "an inefficient system may be better than an efficient one". Suppose, for example, in a downturn there is a significant increase in economic activities in the "black economy". Estimates vary between 7 and 13 per cent of national income. This could mean spending power of over £100 billion a year.

ELLIS THORPE
Albany Old Chapel Walk
Inverurie, Aberdeenshire