Sir: I write with regard to the article concerning Morrisons’ plans for a push into convenience and an extension of permissible Sunday trading hours (‘Morrisons to change distribution model for convenience push’, 8 September).

Dalton Philips is quoted as saying the current rules are ‘arcane’. This is a strange use of this word because it means secret and mysterious. There is nothing secret about the current rules, which are there to maintain some special quality about Sundays and to assist smaller stores by providing them with a unique opportunity to provide a service to customers.

Quite scandalously the chancellor, George Osborne, forced through a relaxation of the current rules on the back of the Olympics and all our research shows that this materially affected smaller indie stores. In a recent survey conducted by the NFRN, over 62% of the respondents said trade had gone down during the period.

The major multiples in this country already have a market share of over 70%: far too high to be desirable, socially or economically, and yet still they want more. Sadly they will probably get it but I call upon those who will make this decision to recognise the irreparable damage it will do.

Assurances were given that the Olympic relaxation would not become permanent. Since then the prime minister has made remarks that suggest this may not be the case. I hope all independent retailers and anyone else who does not want to see a handful of major retailers become more dominant will let their MPs know the strength of their feelings on this.

Alan Smith, national president, NFRN

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