I recall that the directors of recently privatised companies tried to justify their massive salary increases by saying that they were so that the best people could be attracted and retained.

So what calibre of train planner do Railtrack intend to attract with a salary of up to £16,500? (Evening Press, November 30).

Would someone with "an inquisitive, analytical mind, meticulous attention to detail and logical thinking" be attracted by such a paltry sum? Or is the timetabling of our railways to be entrusted to a fresh-faced school-leaver?

Dr Duncan Campbell,

Albemarle Road,

York.