Free speech

LEE Harvey (THES, June 5) rightly raises concern about the rising cost of conference fees and their drain on organisational resources. Concern should also be raised for those who, like myself, are completing full-time doctoral or other degree courses, who are self-funded, and who wish to give research papers at appropriate conferences. Not only do we need to get our work heard for peer review, but we have to pay for the privilege of giving the paper which is frequently the same fee as that of conference delegates. Coupled with travel, subsistence and overnight accommodation, this practice is not only expensive but highly questionable.

If a paper is good enough to be accepted for a conference then the speaker should at least have a free place.

Chris Bennetts. St Clement, Truro, Cornwall