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Anthony Everitt's confused opinions ("Personal View", THESJune 20) as to what it might be that constitutes research and its effects, does not encourage support for the real purpose of his article.

I believe that that purpose is to gain support of the Arts Council of England's bid to the Dearing committee for the creation of a research council in the likeness of itself. I must assume that Everitt is aware of the fact that research councils exist for all disciplines except for those of practice, and that the government funds they disburse are in addition to direct research assessment allocations.

Indeed the research council leg of the "dual support" system for the practice disciplines is already in the gift of the arts councils, though without the normal remit of support for studentships. Professor Everitt's territorial claim for more university funds, and on the grounds he lays out, is, in the circumstances, unfortunate.

Gillian Elinor

Head, faculty of design engineering and the built environment University of East London