WE can all sympathise with Philip Thomas-Peter, and agree with your editorial, about his long wait for an eye operation, (May 24). But we must view it in context with all other events.

When the National Health Service started, the time between cradle and grave was generally shorter than it is now.

The increase in time is mainly because of this service. At the start there were very few, if any, organ transplants and limited intensive care. The increase in these has added greatly to the cost.

For many years the General Election was won in this country because one party promised tax cuts. This is the main reason why the health service and other public services are under-funded.

Although not a supporter of the Liberal Democrats, I agree with their message that we cannot get something for nothing. Many people in this country would not vote for a party that fought on a platform of increased taxes.

The resources of the NHS will always be finite and choices will have to be made. If it is a choice between treating me, or my grandchildren, or treating my working family - that is my son or daughter, and their spouses - I would willingly be at the back of the queue. This should be, and I hope is the case, for other people's children and grandchildren. What I strongly disagree with is people can jump the queue because they have the money or buy the privilege.

Harry H Punter,

Corncroft,

Strensall, York.

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, May 29, 2001