ALEC Samuels, I am afraid, leaves me confused. In his letter referring to the settlement of disputes, he contradicts his own actions in the past.

Take this example: “In an industrial dispute there is a trial of strength. If the trade union can not agree it, it resorts to coercion and force.”

Mr Samuels knows all about force, several years ago, an innocent student arrives in a class conducted by Mr Samuel, wearing a CND badge who in his best conciliatory mood, instructs the student to take it off or if not leave the class.

Understandably the student stood his ground and refused, and Mr Samuels good to his word immediately expelled the student from the class and told him not to return until he obeys he who must be obeyed, Mr Samuels.

This reminds me of the statement in his article: “If the trade union can not agree it, resorts to coercion and force.”

Which is exactly what occurred the following lesson, for to their credit the whole class turned up wearing CND badge in support of their class mate.

And yes you know the result, they were expelled from the class room as well. It was left to the vice chancellor to mediate, who, I understand, in no uncertain terms used those very familiar terms “calm down old man calm down.”

I paraphrase of course! With that example in mind who on earth would listen to the stilted advice of Mr Samuels!

ALAN REYNARD, Southampton