WITH regards to your recent article on the Government's plan to introduce baby bonds, I would like to make my own comments on this scheme.

Personally I don't think anyone is going to benefit from it at all, only those who turn 18 in over 18 years' time.

To tie up taxpayers' money for that length of time is not going to benefit people at the moment. I feel the money could be used for more essential uses, such as hospitals, education, policing.

Eighteen years after this scheme has been introduced will also mean that when 18 year olds get their lump sum they are going to be able to spend it as they like because legally they will be at the age of consent and free to make their own decisions. Some may be sensible and save it, invest it.

However if I was 18 with £7,000 that was mine I would be tempted to spend it on a car, hi-fi, or holidays.

Also the Chancellor should consider that the taxpayers that are expected to pay for this scheme are not going to benefit from it, particularly if those persons already have children -- they are the ones who are going to miss out.

If I was 18-and-a-half and someone turned 18 and received a lump sum I would be upset if I missed out. Personally not a very good idea.

Name and address supplied,

Whittle-le-Woods.