THERE appears to be something sadly lacking in Government quarters when they appear to be suddenly aware of the vast revenue drain to our resources by the health tourists milking the NHS system.

This is not something new. It has been going on for years costing millions of pounds.

Now, at this late juncture, they are considering passing legislation for would-be patients to pay up front prior to treatment, similar to other countries.

No cash or covering medical insurance? Then no treatment and not before time.

The NHS at this present time is struggling to keep going and this financial drain does not help.

Similar considerations and actions should also be directed at student loans. If statistics were released, a significant percentage of loans are rarely paid back.

It is so easy to disappear to the country of origin, leaving the poor tax payer to pick up the tab.

In this day and age of sophisticated technology, it should be fairly simple to monitor the identities of people.

They can do it quite easily with car identification, lack of licence or insurance coverage, all at the touch of a button. So why not with people?

JW Bearby, Hartlepool