l Just to correct Tim Siret’s letter (Oxford Mail, October 27) on a number of points.

Firstly, the reason that Scotland can afford “free” prescriptions is because there’s a subsidy from the English taxpayer to Scotland.

Secondly, while it may be socialist policy to deliver prescriptions “free” at the point of delivery, in reality they are never free. All it means is that you have to pay for the prescriptions, and the administration of the system, through your taxes instead.

Finally a piece of history – despite Tim’s claims – pensions were never a socialist system – they were first introduced in this country in 1670 long before socialism was conceived.

I totally agree, though, that we need a dignified system for the elderly.

Given that life expectancy is increasing, and the funding of these pensions has to be born by those still at work – it’s a fine balancing act between providing these pensions and taxing workers. Paul Wilson, Kennedy Close, Oxford