DEREK Bullough makes mention of the massive long-term debts imposed on the taxpayer by the PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contracts.

According to a report by the Nuffield Trust, published last year, the total cost to the NHS for PFI repayments increased by nearly £200 million in just two years – from £459 million in 2009/10 to £628.7 million in 2011/12.

PFI repayments come out of hospital budgets and divert money away from other services, leading to redundancies, ward closures and the loss of departments. Apparently, the terms of these contracts cannot be revealed because of commercial confidentiality.

I wonder who decided that the taxpayer, who has to shell out for these repayments and will have to do so for many years to come, cannot be told the terms.

Name and address supplied.