7 MARCH 1992, Page 24

Sir: If Mr Andrew Davies were a 'poor man' (Letters,

22 February) he would have more chance of prompt medical attention if people who are not poor go private. Does it not occur to Mr Davies, and (alas) count- less people like him, who are perfectly able to pay for their health needs without having to appeal to their fellow-citizens for help, that the object of the social services is to help those who can't afford to pay for these elementary needs? The more people who can afford to pay for themselves do so, the more of the resources of the NHS become available for those who can't.

Gilbert Longden

89 Cornwall Gardens, London SW7