HUNDRED of millions of pounds of Lottery money has been being allocated to projects not originally visualised as Lottery-funded causes.

Richard Branson has a right to feel aggrieved if not cheated and I truly hope he exposes those Lottery commissioners who now are offering lame excuses.

Surely the causes that will miss out by a shortfall of £5bn should call for an inquiry?

Five billion pounds would build 50 hospitals - and not PFI hospitals owned by the NHS, or leased at rents of up to £25m pounds per year for up to 30 years as in the case of Worcester.

The rents for one hospital over 30 years could perhaps have paid for six more NHS hospitals.

Now that's public initiative, not privatisation.

BRIAN HUNT,

Worcester.