SIR – The National Audit Office, which has no axe to grind, states that the Department of Transport, which is presumably under pressure to be realistic, has reduced the forecast benefit for every £1 spent on HS2 from £2.40 to £1.40 (T&A, October 28).

The acceptance of such a massive error indicates the distinct probability that the latest cost of these politically inspired schemes, which has already increased by 30 per cent to £42.6 billion, bears no relationship to reality and is merely what the proponents think they can get away with.

Perhaps we should give credence to the eminently successful Bradford developer Andrew Mason, who actively rejects HS2 on the basis of knowledge gained through experience, and spends money now on general rail improvement.

Being a relatively compact country, we can travel between key locations as quickly as elsewhere, and whilst time is money, it is not worth what it is going to cost those who will be still here to pay the bills.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon