I should like to clarify my feelings regarding Andrew Dismore's Private Members Bill (Bill will make matters worse', Times Group, August 9).

I approve of any initiative that might help the plight of Agunot (chained women).

I explained my concerns to Mr Dismore that if a man did not wish to have a civil divorce this law may not be helpful, certainly in cases like mine and Susan Zinkin's.

There is no doubt however that if a man wishes to remarry and will therefore require a civil divorce, it will certainly expedite the religious divorce.

After discussions about 18 months ago with June Jacobs, I wrote to both Chief Rabbis of Israel requesting an international conference of Halachic (Jewish law) experts and rabbis. Rabbi Bakshi-Doran sent his blessings. Rabbi Lau failed to respond.

Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks said that he would support such a conference if the initiative came from Israel.

Gloria Proops

Co-founder Agunot Campaign