IN reply to John Hinton (You Say, Friday, July 26) there was no Welfare State during the 1920 and 30s, and many people were deprived, including my own long-suffering parents.

Then, as the Second World War raged, Lord Beveridge had a vision, of a scheme that would provide protective cover for all citizens from the "cradle to the grave".

Accordingly, he produced a plan which was implemented by another visionary, Aneurin Bevan.

Unfortunately, this welfare state produced by Beveridge, Bevan and others of good intent was attacked, circa 1980, by a predator - Margaret Thatcher.

It has never been the same since. However, it is still better than the America system, which relies on insurance schemes.

D E MARGRETT, Worcester.