WHAT A WONDERFUL LETTER.

We are indebted to G.C.Wright of Tadcaster, N. Yorks, for the following analogous letter to the national press this week:

'Once again, with the usual inevitable controversy, a government attempts to bring the NHS under control and provide a more effective service, free for all at the point of delivery. But what we will never admit is that we are chasing the end of a rainbow. No one dares to attack the sacred cow the NHS has long become.

By analogy, consider a national motor vehicle maintenance system, funded not by individuals, but from general taxation, with all repairs and maintenance undertaken for free at garages or special repair centres.

No matter whether the driver is careless in driving and neglects maintaining the vehicle, however many times he or she needs to have his or her car repaired is of no consequence.

The age of the car is no problem - just take it along for a new engine, brakes, gearbox or any other part. Accidently put petrol in a diesel engine car or vice-versa, the necessary repairs will be provided. The smallest bodywork defects will receive attention. If you don't like the blue colour of the bodywork, you could have it changed free of charge.

If you come from abroad, legitimately or otherwise, your emergency repairs will be provided as a priority, with no payment upfront and no effective system to recover the costs. Picked up an old banger in Calais? No problem - it will be fixed at the expense of the British taxpayer.

Do you think such a system would be sensible or affordable?'


AT LEAST WE NOW KNOW THAT OTHER THINKERS EXIST.