I feel obliged to respond to Tony Phillips argument that health tourists do not contribute to the NHS shortage of funds (Guardian, November 7).

I am old enough to remember the 1950s when Unions were fighting to get its members, including me, a salary of £1,000 a year so money means something to me. I would not, under any circumstances, call £2billion pounds a spit in the ocean.

Has he considered what could be bought with that amount? He claims these figures are estimates and outdated. I would venture to suggest the estimated figure should be much higher and being outdated may be correct but one should not ignore the past because the true figure is probably much higher.

I doubt he has travelled far because there are several countries in Europe that no longer accept the E11 form which is supposed to give us free medical treatment in Europe. Many hospitals in Spain demand a credit card before offering treatment much against the EU regulations.

Millions already make a contribution to the NHS by paying a subscription charge so why should foreigners, who have never made a single contribution, not make a payment?

Ernest Mundy

Buckhurst Hill