3 OCTOBER 1970, Page 17

The true university

Sir: If I were Dr Smith (19 September) I would forget my sojourn in America (apparently and regrettably an obligation for today's education- ist). omit the moral justification for the Open University. and concentrate on its merits and usefulness: 1. It should be cheaper to run than the vast campus establishments.

2. It will not concentrate thousands of stu- dents in one place situated not far from cloud-cuckoo-land.

3. It will provide a course of education for those of maturer years who want it and know why they want it.

4. It will be open to public scrutiny (eg. over the quality of its presentation) in a way in which other universities arc not, to their disadvantage.