THE saying goes that “behind every successful man there is a woman”. Or is it that women in fact rule the roost? Judging by the latest list of the ten top richest women, the scales of justice weigh heavy on we lesser mortals.

Pharmaceuticals head the leader board. However, considering the NHS in some cases cannot find sufficient funds to treat patients with life-threatening illnesses, surely some of the profits should be channelled into that direction to alleviate pain and suffering to those who need it most.

As for the list of priorities within the money-making machine, from the other nine on the list, inheritance was mentioned three times, alongside brewing, banking and gambling, which speaks volumes with regards to health and wealth issues.

I may be short-sighted, but Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, is also mentioned with the modern marketing ploy of two or even three for the price of one.

As for me, my piggy bank stays intact.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.