THE LET Comment column (January 27) totally missed the point of the reasons that people need "supposed degree courses."

If comprehensive education was fulfilling its designated task of "educating people," then the vast majority of those so-called "Mickey Mouse" courses would NOT be needed. Literary, numeracy and a touch of good old common sense would serve under-educated school-leavers, some of whom, would find it impossible to pass a 1950s 11-plus exam, albeit having As and A* passes in multiple subjects at GCSE level!

A "basic" education is every citizen's right! Why should "degree" courses have to fulfil this basic shortfall?

HARRY ROBINSON, Juniper Court, Accrington.