THE EDITOR, Sir:

Two years ago, the Ministry of Finance introduced a policy restricting common-law wives and stepchildren of civil servants from coverage under Blue Cross. For them to access benefits, they will have to get married and the children be legally adopted.

Civil servants who fall in this category have to resort to borrowing to finance their families' medical bills. Such a policy is highly inflexible, insensitive, inconsiderate and inhumane. Stability in the family is of ultimate importance to performance on the job. The imposition of the policy is causing undue suffering for these civil servants and I call upon the Confederation of Trade Unions to lobby the Ministry of Finance for the removal of this oppressive policy.

I am, etc.,

NEVILLE ATKINSON (J.P.)

18 Wattly Avenue

Kingston 10