Academics 'sold exam papers'

TWO university dons have been accused of selling advance copies of exam papers to students, writes Chris Blackhurst.

The University of Wales has launched an inquiry into the allegations which centre on the European Business School at Parma in Italy, which has its exam papers set and marked by the Cardiff Business School, part of the university. As the Independent has disclosed, problems at Parma began when the Italian school was taken over by the pupils' parents, one of whom is closely linked to the Mafia. Exam papers were stolen during a break-in at the school and passed to pupils.

The new claims have been raised by Rhodri Morgan, Labour MP for Cardiff West. He has tabled a Commons motion calling for an urgent investigation into 'potentially the worst scandal in the century-long history of the University of Wales'. According to Mr Morgan, the two members of staff were selling the papers for pounds 2,000 each to students.

He claimed that 10 papers were sold ahead of examinations in June this year. The University of Wales is understood to have decided to hold an inquiry into its involvement with Parma, before Mr Morgan's latest intervention.