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THE COUNCIL for College and University English has not "condemned" the research assessment exercise's English panel's approach to grading, nor has it "backed" Professor Everest's open letter to members of that panel ("English chiefs in RAE protest", THES, February 7). It has not yet formally considered the matter.

Professor Everest's very interesting analysis was conducted as a piece of independent research. At no point in the process was the council approached by Professor Everest or involved in any consultation. The council, at its forthcoming annual meeting in April has organised a session for discussion of the RAE and its future, at which members will have the opportunity to express their views on a range of issues, now including no doubt the important considerations raised by Professor Everest.

David Punter Professor of English studies, University of Stirling Chair, Council for College and University English