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Vice-chancellor Sir Alec Broers states that Cambridge University council is "emasculated" because every decision can be questioned by a handful of people ("V-c attacks selfish dons", É«ºÐÖ±²¥S , October 4). This is not the case.

The council can put to the Regent House, the governing body, only decisions that are within its prerogative. These include the appointment of vice-chancellor, legislative matters and questions concerning policy, finance, buildings, estates and personal professorships.

In addition to making recommendations, the council has wide powers of its own, either by statute or by delegation from the Regent House. Much of its work is of this nature and is not open to challenge.

A. W. F. Edwards
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge