27 JULY 1985, Page 22

The public service illusion

Sir: I almost weep to say that I agree with Charles Moore's words on this subject (Politics, 20 July). I agree with him as a result of my experiences during a career in the public sector — which has afforded many insights into the private sector — of over 25 years. I (almost) weep because as a young man I opted to enter that sector of employment out of a genuine and received sense of public service. Does it really have to be an illusion?

Which gets us neatly to the report of the Top Salaries Review Board. Am I alone in being reminded of a remark once attri- buted to the late Vic Feather after a low pay settlement (X per cent of bugger all is bugger all)? But in reverse.

Ray Petch

56 Crofters Mead, Croydon, Surrey