Letters

Shirley McIver's article was a refreshing antidote to the heavy cynicism that followed the government's exercise in finding out public views.

But her very original analysis does not address one source of the doubts expressed. Because the public contribution to forming the national plan was announced later than the modernisation action teams, it appeared like an add-on, tick-box exercise. Did the government forget to practise what it preaches?

I have a vision of someone in Whitehall suddenly remembering, 'Oops, forgot to ask the public!'

In consultation - just like in comedy and in sex - timing is everything.

Ailsa Harrison Chief officer South Buckinghamshire CHC