Abertay University, local food, faith schools, caps on taxis, and the banks are all discussed in today’s letters.
Let university process take its course
Sir,-As a former employee of the University of Abertay Dundee and colleague of Professor Sarkar, I respect his views (February) about the principal.
I would venture to suggest, however, that, for a university court to have moved to suspend a principal, there must be very significant and unresolved issues in regard to management, management style and/or the direction of the university.
It is facile to suggest that this is simply members of the university playing politics. It appears to be an attempt to ensure the future of the university.
It would be appropriate to await the outcome of the investigation before commenting but it is encouraging that the university court is taking its responsibilities seriously.
D. J. Hogarth.12 Moyness Park Drive,Blairgowrie.
Grants hope for local food
Sir,-Despite the challenging pressures faced by the food-processing sector, notably with increasing fuel prices, I believe that the sector has the ability to overcome such problems.
The recently announced Scottish Government Food Processing and Marketing grants to the sector, including a number of local businesses, demonstrates that the sector has an appetite for expanding, diversifying and investing in new markets and products.
I also believe this tunes in with an increasing demand and interest by consumers for quality, local food.
Iain Anderson.41 West End,St Monans.
Let children decide on faith
Sir,-Alister Rankin is right to criticise faith schools (February 10) but past and present governments alike seem determined to pursue a policy of dividing kids by faith, and subverting their education, at tax payers’ expense.
In England and Wales, we now see schools opting out of the state system to become academies.
As predicted by critics, hundreds of those considering this are religious schools, thus paving the way for many more children to be exposed to beliefs like creationism, or dangerous ones like Islamism.
Supporters of superstition-based education emphasise the parents’ right to educate their children according to their delusions.
What they forget is the right of children to an unbiased education free of indoctrination and their right to an opportunity to form opinions different to those of their parents.
(Dr) Stephen Moreton.33 Marina Avenue,Great Sankey,Warrington.
Dangers in taxi free-for-all
Sir,-I have read with interest your articles concerning taxi numbers within Dundee.
The taxi trade are endeavouring to meet their council to discuss an upper limit on licences.
I presume the association will seek regular taxi demand surveys, paid for via licensing funds, which will not only consider demand for taxis but give the local authority and taxi trade a closer understanding of the taxi needs of the people.
It appears drivers believe the current situation, with an over-abundance of taxis, has created problems.
My understanding of the policies of both the Scottish and Westminster governments is one where locals are best placed to decide the transport requirements of their area.
The Office of Fair Trading report of November 2003 gave the view that local authorities should not limit taxi numbers.
This report was subsequently condemned as “flawed” by the Westminster Transport Select Committee and contained evidence that the service to the customer in a regulated area was far better than the service in an unlimited area.
Many local authorities in England and Wales have recapped taxi numbers, most notably Cardiff where recapping was supported by the police. It was cited that the over-abundance of taxis had created insufficient ranking space, dangerous parking, traffic congestion and pollution problems.
Unlimited taxis mean drivers have to work longer to make a living. Longer hours are a by-product of the over-abundance which, in turn, creates a danger to the public.
Wayne Casey.National Taxi Association,60 Chesterholm,Sandsfield Park,Carlisle.
Banks have us over barrel
Sir,-The banks must be hoping that lower bonuses will persuade independent assessors not to break them up later this year.
But complete separation of savings from risky, bonus-driven “innovations” in banking may well be the only way to avoid future taxpayer bail-outs or runs on banks.
The UK’s problem is that the financial sector is so huge that the coalition may cave in to banks if they threaten to leave in the event of a split-up.
Angus Ramsay.34 Kings Road,Rosyth.
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