THROW some money at it! This seems to be the cry of our Government whenever faced with the task of remedying defects in a public service.

Whatever the problem, money alone is thought to provide a swift solution.

Billions were poured into the NHS, but no attempt was made to remedy fundamental deficiencies in the management structure and the ludicrous internal markets which now operate.

Healthcare is demand-driven and the economics of manufacturing industry are quite inappropriate.

So we have trusts sacking employees while GPs receive grossly-inflated pay.

The Government defends this by saying that high salaries (around £100,000 for the average GP) are necessary to ensure high-quality candidates are attracted to the profession. Rubbish. There is not a university medical school in the country that is not oversubscribed.

Since the early 1970s, we have had one expensive education initiative after another, many driven by political correctness.

Teachers are frustrated at the continual meddling with the curriculum and at the application of new compulsory prescribed tests which reduce the time available for teaching.

Yet, in spite of this, one in four 11-year-olds leaves primary school with inadequate reading and writing skills.

Transport is another service which has received large amounts of public money, but a properly integrated and efficient transport system eludes us.

Why? Our European neighbours manage to run excellent public transport at a fraction of the cost.

Immigration is a touchy subject. However, it costs a packet.

Within a year of coming into office, Blair's government lost control of our borders and illegals have been pouring in ever since and either disappearing or being housed and supported at public expense during lengthy appeals procedures.

Nobody objects to government spending provided it is properly used.

Mr Blair should remember that ordinary people provide the cash and it deserves better stewardship.

Dr A H Brown,

Stonefield Avenue,

Easingwold,

York.

Updated: 10:18 Thursday, May 04, 2006