I READ with interest your account of the recent expenses and allowance increases for Dr Ruth and her merry band of Police Authority members.

While there is no doubt they could and probably would argue that they work hard for the money there is a way of looking at such publicly funded posts which would leave most people aghast.

For a full-time post (37 hours a week) the payment to Ruth Henig or anyone in her position would work out at about an hourly rate of £11.30.

I understand that she gets a similar payment for her role as cabinet member of the county council -- if she did this job to the same level then it would involve a 75-hour week or equally could take the hourly rate up considerably.

I understand too that she may be on one or two other committees and has a (paid) job at the university. How does the poor woman manage all that hard work?

If she does not manage to work at the Police Authority for a full 37 hours. say she only manages a quarter of that per week (not unreasonable given her numerous other commitments) that would take her rate up to about £45 an hour plus generous allowances for hotels and travelling (first-class of course). Either it's a very cushy number paid for by you and me or she'll end up getting a medal for her tireless work.

I think I know what the answer to that will be.

Jain Thomson

Balmoral Road

Morecambe