ALTHOUGH discounted by the present Government, it would be interesting to know the contribution of the private hospitals to the standardised procedure ratios (May 13). I am sure it is far from negligible. I met a man recently who had suffered from severe angina. During the dialogue with his consultant he was told that without bypass surgery he could expect to survive no more than six months. The waiting-list for the operation was nine months. His son, who was in good circumstances in London, inquired if it could be done privately. The operation took place the following week.

I was also intrigued by the comment concerning whether the current rates of treatment are adequate, and whether the right people are getting it. who, exactly, are the right people; and who, in turn, are the wrong people?

Dr William O Thomson,

7 Silverwells Court, Bothwell. May 13.