ÍøÆØÃÅ

The puzzled tone that informs your article "Worries grow as Chinese shun UK" (September 2) is surprising given the widely publicised refusal of study visas to substantial numbers of bona fide Chinese students.

The ÍøÆØÃÅ Office gives every appearance of never having heard about the Prime Minister's Initiative or of disagreeing with its basic premise. Word is bound to get around when students who have successfully completed expensive foundation courses in China have been accepted into UK higher education institutions, have provided the evidence that they can cover course fees and living expenses, and are then arbitrarily refused visas. Why would Chinese students want to come to the UK when our ÍøÆØÃÅ Office makes it obvious that they are unwelcome and a very good, and cheaper, experience is available to them in countries such as Australia that welcome them with open arms?

David Maughan Brown York St John College