Principals' expenses:

1.

I WAS not surprised to read your report on university principals' expenses ("University principals under fire for £300,000 expenses", The Herald, March 4) . When you give self-governing control of finances to public institutions, not only universities, you invite the secrecy behind spending on salaries, bonuses and expenses.

These expenses need to be viewed in the light of salaries and bonuses that are the total cost of those governing our national resources and then consider the sum in light of responsibility and performance. Expenses that are above what ordinary people earn in a year should be scrutinised to ensure the expenditure is justified.

It would be interesting to know what the total of expenses claimed by all highly paid university staff is by institution, not only those of the principals.

These are hard times for the ordinary working man who is having to take care of his budget. The nation needs to do the same with its resources. Politicians have little control over private institutions but surely they need to take control of public assets.

I believe that all public funded bodies should be overseen and under the financial control of a reasonable independent external body, not an internal body invited or appointed by themselves. Reasonable salaries, expenses and bonuses for exceptional performance should be paid but "reasonable" needs to be open and transparent.

Dr Morag Campbell,

18 Hillside Terrace, Milton of Campsie.

2.

The issue of expenses paid to principals should be placed in proper context. Universities operate in a global situation academically and financially. The more active and entrepreneurial the university, the more widely committed will be the principal. I know from personal and professional experience that this is certainly the case in relation to Glasgow Caledonian University.

The Principal, Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, has by her drive, enthusiasm and leadership established GCU campuses or courses in Bangladesh (a major school of nursing); Oman; New York; London; and Johannesburg.

The benefit to Glasgow Caledonian University is immeasurable academically, financially and in terms of international reputation. There is added value to the Scottish economy and, of course, major benefits to the countries hosting GCU.

I suggest therefore that the expenses incurred by principals, carefully scrutinised as they are, is money well spent. The evidence is there.

Professor George L Irving CBE,

Redstones,

Ayr.