Sir

You report Germany's junior minister for research as saying that east German researchers have been so well supported in recent years that they are now considered good enough to compete with west German scientists for conventional funds. Having worked in research institutes in west Germany, Britain and now in east Germany, I can assure you that it is not the standard of the scientists that has been the limiting factor, but the administration with which they have had to contend.

We have good and bad scientists, like everywhere else, and it says much for the spirit of the good ones that they show every sign of succeeding in the face of adverse conditions and patronizing attitudes.