The life of a higher education minister seems to be taking its toll on Baroness Blackstone. After her appearance at the Lords' science select committee on Wednesday, for a quizzing on such topics as the limited attractions of science and engineering courses, the baroness was heard in the corridor berating officials for the hard time she had been given. The tenor of her remarks was that a better briefing might have made for a smoother ride. Tip for the top: ministers have a place called the Private Office that is preferred for such confrontations.