RE Asian teachers (LET, January 26). I was disappointed to read the response from Salim Mulla, Secretary to Lancashire Council of Mosques, to the imbalance in the ratio of Asian teachers.

He mentions difficulties for pupils whose first language is not English.

After three generations of Asian immigrants why is their first language not English?

As a nation we have welcomed immigrants of all nationalities, nurtured, housed and positively discriminated in their favour. They, on their part, should show a willingness to meet us half way.

Multiculturalism sounds fine in theory but in practice it encourages immigrants to form areas where little English is spoken and with no desire to mix with the indigenous population.

Hence the problems with education, academic qualifications and job opportunities.

It may be unpalatable for Asian community leaders but pockets of alien cultures within our towns will never produce British citizens in the true sense of the word.

When Salim Mulla says "teachers from an ethnic minority can help to get the message across" to these pupils that can't speak English, I wonder what the message is?

Let's hope that it is encouraging the children to speak English at home, to go out, mix, embrace and enjoy all things British.

I hope that they can eventually fulfil their potential and feel proud to be part of our wonderful nation.

L K CULSHAW (address supplied).