WE expect the BBC to maintain the highest possible level of media standards.

Its role, however, in the matter of Michael Barrymore's autobiography has been contemptible. It is the type of behaviour we would expect the sanctimonious BBC to bring to the public's attention if it had been perpetrated by the tabloid press.

The corporation's excuse, that the book was to be published by one of its commercial subsidiaries and was really nothing to do with the corporation's public service broadcasting, was lame.

So, too, was the excuse that the book was commissioned in December 2000, before the death of Stephen Lubbock at Mr Barrymore's home.

The BBC cannot shield itself from criticism by abrogating responsibility for the actions of one of its subsidiaries.

Nor can it hide behind the fact that the book was commissioned some time ago.

The harsh truth is that both Mr Barrymore and BBC Worldwide took the deliberate decision to add details of Stephen Lubbock's death to the autobiography.

It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that this was a decision taken to produce more publicity and more profits for the book, with little or no account taken of the feelings of Mr Lubbock's grieving relatives and friends.

It is appalling that a public corporation would choose to profit so gratuitously from someone's death.

The BBC's belated decision to postpone publication must not distract us from its shameful role.

It should go even further, and promise both Mr Lubbock's family and its licence-payers that the book will never see the light of day.

Who has the right answer?

WHO do we believe? For some years we have been told that students are over-achieving because examinations are getting easier.

And now we are told that students may be under-achieving because boards have been instructed to counter allegations that exams are easier.

These allegations strike at the heart of confidence in the system.

The Government must take action to restore confidence by undertaking a thorough and immediate review of the whole exam process.