WHAT many people have missed in the tuition fees debate is the massive cultural shift in the expectations of people from a working-class background.
When I left school at 16 university was far removed from my thoughts. Now it is gratifying to see people from a similar background to myself putting university on the top of their agenda. Yes the money is a factor but at least people are getting as far as considering the cost.
As for "free education", no such thing ever existed, it was paid for by the taxes of many people who never expected a return from higher education for themselves or their children. Surely it is more equitable that those who can afford to pay something do so, thesubsidy is still substantial.
Tom McAra
Barbeth Place Glasgow