Simon Oosterman was upset because the police prosecuted students who were skinny dipping at St George’s Bay at 5.30 a.m. He asked whether Malta “is becoming another Dubai” (August 18). As it happens, the same issue of The Times carried a long article about the behaviour of foreign students who are “gaining notoriety in parts of Malta for their rowdiness and unruliness”.

It is true that English language students have recently been making the headlines for the wrong reasons but it would be a pity if these reports only served to sour public opinion. We must not miss the wood for the trees.

The authorities concerned have a legitimate interest in enhancing the image of the Malta tourist industry – and this involves standards of decency and good order. St George’s Bay enjoys Blue Flag status.

That bay and parts of Paceville could well qualify for the Red Flag if riotous students are allowed to continue to behave as badly as reported.

The issue is one of tactful, but unbending, control particularly in matters of common decency and respect for the law.

The English language schools have a role to play but in the last resort it is up to the forces of law and order to protect Malta’s image and good name, as well as the peace. Observance of the law of the land is a sine qua non.

Unfortunately, it is not always so. Last June I was informed, in reply to a parliamentary question, that the police were investigating whether a number of hotels and other establishments were making money from pornographic TV channels, thereby contravening the law.

To this day, we do not know whether any action has been taken and, if not, why not. This case raises the question: Is the law equal for everyone?