Letter: Labour's NHS plans

Sir: The Labour Party's plan to increase revenues to the NHS by removing tax relief from those over 60 who pay private medical insurance may be simplistic ('Labour to keep elements of NHS changes,' 11 February). Many of those so affected may abandon their private healthcare policies and transfer their needs to the public sector. The consequent additional demands on the NHS may exceed the money 'saved'. At the very least there will be an 'offset'.

Yours sincerely,

D. L. CROSBY

Consultant Surgeon

University Hospital of Wales

Cardiff

14 February