OVER the past years the supposed wealthiest western countries have wiped off Third World debts.

I think it is about time for our prospective governments to consider charity begins at home.

With these overseas financial handouts plus Lottery money being redirected into our own needs, there would be no need for cutbacks in our own essential services.

Of course, some of the financial wastage can be laid down at the doorstep of management structures, within which one document multiplies before ending up in the waste bin or shredder without a satisfactory decision.

I and many others would gladly pay doctors and nurses double wages if they were left to make decisions without looking over their shoulders before carrying out their life-saving work in maintaining our general health.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.