Readers reactions

Last week in The THES... James Tooley argued that British universities were churning out too many graduates and should have their state subsidies withdrawn

If James Tooley believes jobs filled by graduates should be filled by school-leavers, why not fill these jobs with 12-year-olds?

Students like and benefit from going to university. The only way this opportunity can be distributed fairly is via state subsidies. If society does not benefit, we need to re-examine what universities do, not restrict access to those who can afford to pay.

Tooley's views are purely ideological: people should pay market prices for public services including, presumably, health care and schools. Maybe he should stand for election rather than teach education.

Tim Blackman

Professor of sociology and social policy

I agree with James Tooley.

In view of agriculture minister Nick Brown's censure of sheep farmers for over-production, perhaps it would be sensible to petition the Department for Education and Employment to cull unwanted students.

R. Allan Reese

Hull University