Your news focus on the Scottish public health white paper (page 14, 25 February) contained an error. The targets for coronary heart disease, cancer and cerebrovascular disease apply to the population aged under 75.

This is important, since 52 per cent of the deaths from these disease groups are aged 75 and over (respectively, 41 per cent, 54 per cent and 73 per cent).

Dr David S Gordon

Research and development manager

Lanarkshire health board