Professor Nick Black's view on the "myth" of declining healthcare productivity (Study contradicts Tories on NHS productivity, 13 February) appears to be based on a number of misunderstandings. He notes the Office for National Statistics expressed the need in 2005 for further work but fails to point out that a substantial, subsequent programme has focused on addressing many of those original limitations. We have a comprehensive measure of quality which includes many of the indicators suggested by Professor Black. Furthermore, this measure incorporates quality-adjusted life years, which Professor Black implies is not the case. ONS claims no monopoly on wisdom, but progress is likely to be greatest if we start with a common factual understanding.
Joe Grice
Office for National Statistics
• Your article on mandatory work schemes for the disabled (17 February) was informative and it appears companies may have some sensitivity about being identified as participating (Poundland, Waterstones and Sainsbury's are all reviewing their involvement). If the names of other participating companies were known, the public could demonstrate their verdict by deciding whether or not to be customers of these organisations. Please advise, if possible.
Duncan McGrory
Collingham, Nottinghamshire
• I note that the News International Staff Association's chairman "said that morale in the Sun newsroom … had never been lower" (Murdoch expected to visit staff at Wapping today, 17 February). No doubt he will take comfort from the view of new Ofsted chief Michael Wilshaw, who believes low teacher morale is a sign that management is pursuing the right policies.
Ted Woodgate
Billericay, Essex
• In response to Peter Downes' letter (17 February): Michael Gove "was allowed to get away with the most radical and harmful restructuring of the education system for over a century" because Lib Dems formed a coalition with the Conservatives and voted for the Academies Act 2010.
Susan Moyse
London
• Bonaparc (Letters, 16 February)? Surely Julian and Sandy will be on the staff.
Gay Search
London