11 JANUARY 1946, Page 14

THE RELEASE OF STUDENTS

Sitt,—I was interested to read "R. L. H. (R.A.F.)'s" letter about Univer- sity courses for demobilised Service men in The Spectator of Novem- ber 23rd. There is considerable justification for his argument that those members of the Services who were eighteen and nineteen when they were called up in 1939 should be treated at least as well as those who, having had some form of University training before their call-up,- are now being released to complete their studies. Point was added to the letter by the article in the same issue contributed by an ex-Service man back at his studies, who it would appear from his article had at the most four—and it may well be fewer—years' war service to his credit. We who joined in 1939 have on the other hand been in the Service for over six years, are now twenty-five and six, and face the fact that even if we start training now we will be unable to really earn our own livings as skilled members of the community much before we are thirty.

In my case, for instance, and I feel it may well be typical of many, I am finding it impossible to obtain a place at a University in October, 1946, for what is in effect no better reason than that of having served the country longer than those who are now obtaining "Class B" releases as University students.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, LiEurENamr, R.N.V.R.