The k-fold clique transversal problem is to locate a minimum set Omega
of vertices of a graph such that every maximal clique has at least k
elements of Omega. The maximum h-colourable subgraph problem is to fin
d a maximum subgraph of a graph which is h-colourable. We show that th
e k-fold clique transversal problem and the maximum h-colourable subgr
aph problem are polynomially solvable on balanced graphs. We also prov
ide a polynomial algorithm to recognize balanced graphs. (C) 1998 Else
vier Science B.V.