ANOTHER PEEP BEHIND THE VEIL

Harris argues that if QALYs are used only 50% of the population will b e eligible for survival, whereas if random methods of allocation are u sed 100% will be eligible. We argue that this involves an equivocation in the use of ''eligible'', and provides no support for the random me thod. There is no advantage in having a 100% chance of being ''eligibl e'' for survival behind a veil of ignorance if you still only have a 5 0% chance of survival once the veil is lifted. A 100% chance of a 50% chance is still only a 50% chance. We also argue that Harris provides no plausible way of dealing with the criticism that his random method of allocation may result in the squandering of resources.