51³Ô¹Ï

Malcolm Grant writes admiringly of universities that place a premium on central leadership and that have central control over resources, but as a pro vice-chancellor he would, wouldn't he ("The world won't wait for us", Soapbox, THES , March 8)?

He suggests that diversity, democracy and decentralisation may prove fatal.

Does he believe that Cambridge is a train that is to be made to run on time?

The doctors responsible for bringing on the illness affecting our governance have so far prescribed an eye-catching quack remedy rather than one designed to tackle our real problems.

Stephen Cowley
University of Cambridge