I WAS pleased to be quoted supporting the rail workers' strike (January 24) but would like to clarify one point.

I am not disgusted with the train drivers' wage rise; I am disgusted that the conductors' rise is so much smaller.

Both groups deserve, and need, to be much better paid.

That is why I support the rail strikes, although along with the majority of the population I doubt if the industry's problems will properly be addressed until our railways are renationalised.

Richard McEwan,

St John's College,

Lord Mayor's Walk,

York.

Updated: 09:07 Saturday, January 26, 2002