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The situation revealed by the education consultant in Singapore ("A hard sell for easy money", THES , April 26) is not new. It was recognition of such activities that prompted the formation of the Sterling Group, which brings together universities with high-quality engineering activities.

British universities must take responsibility for their behaviour. Blame for the prostitution of standards does not rest with overseas authorities. The problem starts with the underfunding of teaching in the UK. Some universities have attempted to solve this by recruiting recklessly from overseas at a risk to standards. We must place as high a value on higher education as do our Southeast Asian friends.

Peter J. Goodhew
Chairman, Sterling Group of UK Universities