The fibre-polymer interface has been evaluated by comparing single fibre pull-out tests with transverse tensile tests on laminates made with the same fibres and polymers. These single fibre pull-out tests are shown to be misleading, giving apparent interface shear strengths which can be much too high. In contrast, the transverse tests are shown to be quite adequate for developing the data required for ensuring that present day fibre reinforced polymers have good enough adhesion between the fibres and the matrix. The interface does not appear to be very sensitive to water and, furthermore, a commercial carbon epoxy molding is shown to have excellent adhesion between fibres and matrix and to be quite resistant to 90 degrees C water.