Plumbing the heights

Christopher Grey offers a nice explanation of the difference between a salary and a stipend (Letters, 3 March). Unfortunately, it hinges on the word "vocation", which by definition means a calling, such as the Church. Indeed, men and women of the cloth are generally awarded stipends.

But politicians have reversed the usage of "vocational" to mean something practical. A theology degree would thus presumably no longer be considered "vocational". But I cannot imagine anyone being "called" to plumbing; who would be calling them? Perhaps the pipes...

John Wilson, Lancashire