I quite agree with Ian Cummings (August 16). When the Tories are in power they run the public sector down. So when Labour are in power they throw money at the public sector. And so it goes on and on.

Utilities and health should be state-owned and the rest private.

I say this as a Lib-Dem voter. Sorry, an ex-Lib-Dem voter.

DENNIS BROWN, Queens Road, Carterton