For a number of years the British Government stated that there was no scientific evidence of a link between BSE and new-variant CJD in humans, and advised the public to eat beef.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (TES, March 6) follows a similar logic, namely that, since there is no clear link between economic performance and education levels, Government efforts to raise standards are “ill-conceived”. Treating “no evidence of a link” to mean that a link does not exist proved disastrous in the case of BSE. Following the IPPR’s advice could prove equally disastrous for education.
HILARY STEEDMAN. Programme director. Centre for Economic Performance. Houghton Street, London WC2A
