Letter: John Patten's bad example

Sir: Michael Howard laments the breakdown of authority, while his ministerial colleague, John Patten, abuses his powerful position to attack two authoritative Directors of Education, in terms which degrade and disgrace his office and shame all of us who work in the service for which he carries responsibility. A child could make the connection.

Yours,

MICHAEL BARBER

JENNY OZGA

University of Keele

Keele, Staffordshire

7 October