All his own words

DID ROLY Cockman really say "fees will improve the screening process as they will deter students who do not have the ability for degree-level study"? (THES, September 5).

If so, does he really believe there is a correlation between level of ability and ability to pay?

For a representative of a group of employers to even think such a thing in 1997, let alone say it, is beyond belief.

John Beckett Higher education adviser William Morris Academy St Dunstan's Road London