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I was interested to read that falling standards date from 1997 ("Keep it stupid, simple", 23 October). I suspect that such alleged instances simply come to light more easily in these times of increased scrutiny.

In the university department where I was employed in the late 1970s, I clearly recall marks for one compulsory module way below the pass level being condoned on the doubtful principle that the lecturer concerned, from outside our department, could not teach. I also recall the expansion strategy of accepting any Chinese student with two A levels, regardless of consequences. I could go on ...

Michael Waterson, Department of economics, University of Warwick.