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Defending the deplorable axeing of history by Harris Manchester, Oxford University's mature-student college, senior tutor Lesley Smith claims that it does not mean mature studentswill be disadvantaged as good mature history applicants will be snapped up by other colleges (Letters, THES, September 5).

Is there any reason why this should not apply to other subjects? And if not, is there any reason for Harris Manchester to exist?

John Carey
Merton College, Oxford