They aren't mutually contradictory responses so I wouldn't disagree with you, although I have a slight fear that the people who would worry most that they might be fined £250 would be the people who would have been using the system properly; elderly people with genuine health problems and low income. I just think we have to move away from a healthcare system which teaches us that we are entitled to free access to health care when ever we want it. Charging us a nonimal ammount every time we access the system would reinforce the idea that our health is our responsibility. Like most people I pay a lot of money each year to insure myself on the road. The fact that we all pay an excess when we claim is the only reason the premiums are as low as they are. How much would the NHS save if we all had to think a little harder before accessing it? How much further would the resources go? James