SIR - Permit me to reply to Geoff Tasker who makes the cardinal mistake of fusing two of my letters in order to justify his unwarranted criticism (T&A September 14).

Firstly the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is not banning the use of the drug Velcade, otherwise it would not be in use in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but saying it should only be used in England for patients in clinical studies as the value of the drug is unclear.

Thus the ultimate decision rests with the NHS.

Furthermore I always give credit where credit is due, so I congratulated the doctor who suspected 13-month-old Evie Bancroft of having a heart murmur and together with the support of the British Heart Foundation gave her the chance of surgery within two months.

Nothing to do with making one's mind up, simply subjective comments on completely different issues.

I would also remind Mr Tasker that the NHS might be free at the point of contact but initially the cost is borne by the taxpayer.

David Rhodes, Croscombe Walk, Bradford