Mr John Inguanez rests his case on the duty of all students to pass all compulsory examinations - including the Maltese literature component of the Maltese Matriculation examination.

Maltese literature's contribution to the success of the Maltese economy is close to zero; the contribution of our national command of the English language is immeasurable. We owe our quality of life in no small way to our command of English.

It is our duty to grow our economy and grow our language - the compulsory nature of the Maltese literature entrance requirement to university makes little contribution to either aim.

Knowledge of the English language is far more important to the success of our economy than Maltese literature. Making Maltese literature compulsory has nothing to do with preparing students for their contribution to our economy or developing our language, and all to do with selling textbooks and furthering the need for private lessons.

And there rests my case.