SIR - Cultured societies have always regarded teaching as a vocation.

It should, of course, be unnecessary to point out that education is as vital to the health of the nation as medical care. A human being is taught from infancy and, later in life, acquires independence of thought.

Teaching and lecturing is an honourable profession. Like anyone, teachers need support and encouragement and to know that their dedication is appreciated. When is the government going to wake up and give a boost to the morale of these people, on whom we depend? The facts mentioned by Mr Robert Crick show how shamefully the teaching profession is being undermined (Herald, July 8).

In Proverbs Ch29, v18, we read “Where there is no vision, the people perish.

”Vision? Our politicians should go to Specsavers.

Miriam Brown

‘Karenza’, 6 Lennox Avenue, Sidmouth