Charles Clarke's predecessor Estelle Morris, who resigned last week, is said to have come under sustained pressure from Downing Street to allow top-up fees.

BBC: University funding plans delayed again

Instead, Ms Morris and her successor, Charles Clarke, toughened the rules governing appeal panels after a wave of industrial action ballots by teachers.

BBC: Expulsions rise for second year

The epithet "Park Avenue cubists"was eventually pinned on Frelinghuysen, Morris and two of their contemporaries and fellow artists-- Charles G.

FORBES: Cubists In Love

Unlike the wretched Estelle Morris, who resigned two months ago after admitting she wasn't up to the job, Charles Clarke, the new education secretary, is showing some reluctance to continue the charge up this particular blind alley.

ECONOMIST: Education