Brighton University vice chancellor Sir David Watson's contention (The Argus, January 25) that turning polytechnics into universities was a huge bet that has been amply rewarded is justified predominantly on the grounds of efficiency.

Meeting budget targets may make organisations efficient but this does not make them effective educational institutions.

The former polytechnics still languish at the bottom of the league tables for their teaching, courses, research and management.

Sir David's focus is narrowly financial and administrative rather than educational.

But his credibility and perspective will be severely tested if ever he tries to introduce the £3,000 fees for the courses offered at Brighton University.

When students decide their quality is not worth the expense, he will find even his limited economic view of education will be a failure.

Mergers are the only way the former polytechnics will survive if the Government's White Paper is implemented. Brighton's future depends on a merger with Sussex.

-T J Smith, Elvin Crescent, Rottingdean