I refer to the article by Ella Lee 'Fees policy unjustified' (South China Morning Post, May 3).

I should like to point out that the statement 'the policy of charging richer patients far more should be changed, saying he can find no justification for it' was not made by me. All I said to your reporter over the phone was: 'It is a long-standing tradition and I do not know the reason behind it since I have been working in the private sector for only six years.' She asked me whether the policy would be reviewed. My reply was that anything could be reviewed.

I hope this clarifies my views on the matter.