I was surprised and disappointed to see another article about plastic stone under the heading \'wet room boom\' in the August edition of NATURAL Stone Specialist. The article is biased and does not present the true facts about the numerous advantages of using a natural stone rather than this man-made alternative.

Natural Stone Specialist has, to date, been the only publication to represent the natural stone industry exclusively. Do you intend to continue to abandon the exclusivity of your publication? If so, will we see a name change? You should represent the natural stone industry and not attempt to peddle other competing products. Your response would be most welcome.

Michael Poultney, Managing Director, Albion Stone Plc, Redhill

Ed: Quartz materials are being used by the stone industry, especially for worktops. The material is sold by many of the wholesalers who sell granite. It is worked and fitted by the same masonry companies that are working and fitting granite using the same machinery and skills. This magazine is called Natural Stone Specialist because it is for and about the specialist trades and professions that comprise this industry. A lot of them are clearly using this material, so how can this magazine fail to recognise that fact? A significant sector of the stone industry itself has accepted the material and our coverage of the industry must reflect that.