The leading article of December 15 highlights a topic which is very relevant - the standard of spoken and written English in Malta today. The poor standard of spoken English is particularly annoying when one listens to the reading of news in English on most local radio and TV stations. It appears that newsreaders are not being given appropriate training.

One method for improving the teaching of the English language in Malta is perhaps that of sending some Maltese teachers for practice in Britain, in exchange for British teachers. I suggest that the Department of Education take up this suggestion. Malta's joining of the English Speaking Union opens up new possibilities. I take the opportunity to congratulate Malta's indefatigable High Commissioner to the UK Michael Refalo for his part.

Members of the older generation like myself attribute our command of the English language to the English teachers we had at the Lyceum. I recall with love and nostalgia the days when the late Cyril Parker was headmaster. Mr Parker dedicated most of his lifetime to the teaching of Maltese children. He succeeded in inculcating in us a love of English culture and he also instilled in us sound principles which stood us to the present day.