Ancient rivalry

Your remark about the greater influence of the University of Oxford compared with the University of Cambridge appears tongue in cheek, but it might be taken more seriously (The week in higher education, 17 May).

Many years ago, I attended a ministerial reception hosted by Patrick Jenkin, at that time secretary of state for industry. Greeting me at the door, he looked at my tie and commented that it was a delight to see me, a fellow Cambridge man, as all the Cabinet had been to Oxford. Plus ça change...

Peter B. Baker, London