WITH reference to the story on the front page of the Bolton Evening News, February 5, "Hard-up hospital cannot pay bills."

There should be some provision for such cases. The bank's attitude pains me more than even the hospital's failure to pay on time. To me it seems that the banks are happy to drive small businesses out of the way, because they seem never to miss an opportunity to hit them when they are down.

Would it not be a lot easier and more humane to implement a procedure along following lines: businesses such as hospitals have state backing, they will pay, and should be put on a list. Then: this listed company which owes their suppliers money issues a guarantee with the amount due, which is then sent both to the bank and the supplier. The bank agrees to credit the supplier with the money, and the listed company will then pay directly to the bank when they have got the cash again.

On a case to case basis, some interest could be discussed, so that the banks do not lose out. But really, I think everyone involved would benefit, and we are all involved when medical care suffers, or when small businesses have to let people go. Don't tell me this is neither feasible nor easy. The whole stock exchange works on virtual money.

Anne Poitrineau

Wolseley Road, Sale