SIR - This morning I went into our local chemist to return (which I thought was the correct thing to do) two unopened tubes of ointment, still in the prescription bag, which I hadn't needed.

The dates on the tubes was August, 2008, but I was told by the assistant she could take them from me, but that they would be destroyed, as were unused, unopened tablets other people returned.

I was astounded, how the NHS can explain that, I just can't imagine. What a waste of money.

No wonder we are in such a mess!

Mrs Irene Jones , Long Lane, Bradford