I have no problem with the introduction of tuition fees for university education, payable retrospectively when the beneficiary is earning good wages.

Economically we cannot compete with the cheap labour markets of the world nor should we try to. We therefore must seek to have an educated and intelligence based economy. To do that we need to have more of our young citizens in higher education, the question is how we do that?

There appears to be three options on offer: Reduce the number of students to the level that the taxpayer is prepared to pay for, Tory; add a penny in the pound to the tax levels the Liberal solution (actually it represents the best part of 5% increase taking tax from 20% to 21% in the pound); introducing retrospective tuition fees with means tested protection the Government position.

It is said the latter will disadvantage poorer people. That's what happens now when there are no fees. If you have doubts try looking for current students with original addresses in Pinehurst or Penhill.

Is it right for the 20-year-old postman or woman from Parks to fund by taxation, rag week for the legal student from Lawns?

I wonder if there is a feeling among some of our opinion leaders in society who have benefited from a totally free further education that now the next generation has to pay.

I suggest they channel the energy into ensuring more people benefit from the privilege they enjoyed rather than provide succour for those who seek to preserve privilege.

Des Moffatt

Ferndale Road